SSP Connect Mentorship Program
Supporting recent alumni through the college application process.
About the Program
SSP International supports alumni as they transition out of high school and on to college. SSP Connect matches recent participants of the Summer Science Program with volunteer mentors from the over 3,700 alumni who have gone on to great success after the program. Young alumni receive mentoring and support through one-on-one and group mentoring.
The Alumni Relations team supports both mentors and mentees. It helps facilitate office hours and special events like college roundtables and offers accessible resources to help alumni navigate the mentor/mentee relationship.
SSP Connect Impact
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Since the programs creation in 2020:
- Over 580 alumni have participated as mentors.
- Over 650 mentees have received support as they navigated the college admission process.
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In 2024 alone, 223 mentees connected with 108 mentors for one-on-one and group mentoring.
First Generation College Students
SSP International aims to increase diversity in STEM and academia by offering tailored support to participants whose parents do not hold higher education degrees.
First-generation college students are prioritized for one-on-one mentoring ensuring our recent alumni who will be the first in their family to attend college have an extra helping hand as they navigate the complexities of the college application and admission process.
Group Mentoring
Implemented in 2024 due to the increase in program participants, Group Mentoring provides access to mentorship if they do not meet the first-generation criteria. As group mentees, alumni meet weekly with several mentors who bring great expertise on the varying topics highlighted from week to week.
Get Involved
SSPI thrives because of the incredible participants who become passionate alumni, eager to support the next generation. Mentoring is a powerful way to give back—whether it’s offering guidance, sharing experiences, or inspiring future scientists, your impact can be life-changing.