Asian American and Pacific Islander Students Promoting Inspiration, Resilience, and Empowerment (ASPIRE)
The U is a big campus. You’re in a new learning environment, surrounded by people you’ve never met before. You have newfound freedom to take risks, explore, and grow into the person you want to be. You’re away from home in a way you’ve never experienced. You’ll meet amazing people who will become lifelong friends, but you may also encounter people who don’t understand you or make you feel unappreciated. College can be exhilarating, but at times, it can also feel overwhelming. ASPIRE is here to support you through these experiences as you learn and grow during your time in college!
The ASPIRE Peer Mentorship Program is your community—a place to find belonging on campus, build meaningful relationships with other students, and connect with resources that help you thrive at the U while exploring your identities.
ASPIRE is a space where you can make new friends, get to know others on a deeper level, and support one another through school while having fun. It’s an environment where you can express yourself authentically and fully. Most importantly, ASPIRE is your family and home away from home.
Students can participate in the program as an ASPIRE Coordinator, Peer Mentor, or Peer Mentee.
- ASPIRE Program Coordinators are paid student leaders who develop, coordinate, and facilitate the ASPIRE program. They also provide support and guidance for Peer Mentors and Mentees, ensuring that participants have a meaningful mentoring experience. ASPIRE Coordinators engage in weekly planning meetings, organize monthly ASPIRE Circle group activities, and facilitate ASPIRE group discussions.
- Peer Mentors are volunteer leaders who work one-on-one with Mentees to provide support and guidance throughout the year. They play a crucial role in ASPIRE, shaping the experience of Mentees in the program. Each Mentor is paired with another Mentor, along with their respective Mentees, to form family pods. These family pods foster community and create social support systems for both Mentors and Mentees. Group events will offer opportunities for in-person engagement through social and educational activities, allowing participants to connect with other family groups and develop a sense of community as a cohort.
- Peer Mentees join ASPIRE to receive support from their Mentors as they navigate campus life. Throughout the year, Mentees connect with their Mentors for one-on-one meetings, hangout with their family pods, and participate in ASPIRE Circle activities to cultivate a variety of experiences.
The ASPIRE Peer Mentorship Program is an application-based program open to all students. Application will be announced during spring-summer.
