Princeton University Mentoring Program
Mission
Sponsored by the Carl A. Fields Center, the Princeton University Mentoring Program (PUMP) is an internationally certified mentoring program—that celebrates the heritage and experiences of students of color. The program is designed to assist first-year students in their academic, cultural, and social acclimation to Princeton. PUMP is open to all students regardless of identity.
PUMP pairs each first-year student (mentee) with a sophomore, junior or senior who serves as a peer mentor to help mentees navigate campus life and create a network of support. Each student mentor/mentee pair is also matched with a Princeton alumni mentor.
Through this program, mentees gain a sense of belonging and community, participate in academic workshops and social activities, increase their knowledge of campus resources, and build connections with peers, campus professionals, and alumni.
Peer Mentor/Mentee Relationship
PUMP offers one-on-one mentoring. Each mentee is paired with a peer mentor based on several factors including intended major, professional interests, hobbies, hometown, race, ethnicity, gender, and languages spoken. Mentors and mentees are encouraged to meet regularly for 3-4 hours per month throughout the academic year.
Peer Mentors are often able to offer guidance on:
Academic Issues (course selection, time management, campus resources and services)
Campus Involvement (organizations, athletics, intramurals, etc.)
Professional Development (internship and summer opportunities, networking)
Relationship Building (with faculty, campus professionals, and alumni)
Social Issues (roommates, friends, family, etc.)
To further enhance the mentor/mentee relationship, PUMP also offers educational workshops, study breaks, and community building events.
Alumni Mentors
Each student mentor/mentee pair is also matched with a Princeton alumni mentor for the duration of the academic year. Alumni mentors can serve as role models, provide opportunities for personal and professional development, and help guide two-three students (peer mentor and mentee(s)) through their academic, social, and cultural journey at Princeton.
The 2025-2026 Alumni Mentor interest form is now open and will close on Sunday, September 21, 2025: bit.ly/pump2526. Alumni mentors will be matched based on a combination of factors ranked in the interest forms by alumni mentors, student mentors, and student mentees.
Faculty/Staff Mentors
The Faculty/Staff mentors initiative has been created as an extension to PUMP, and designed to connect both mentees and mentors with Faculty and Staff at Princeton who can provide guidance, support, and mentorship in various aspects of their academic, cultural, and social lives. This opportunity is open to ALL interested Faculty and Staff at Princeton.
The Faculty/Staff Mentor interest form is accepted on a rolling-basis, and will remain open for the foreseeable future.
Applications
NEW MENTEE INTEREST FORM
The 2025-2026 mentee interest form is now CLOSED.
PEER MENTOR APPLICATION
The 2025-2026 peer mentor application is now CLOSED.
ALUMNI INTEREST FORM (closes September 21, 2025): bit.ly/pump2526
FACULTY/STAFF MENTOR INTEREST FORM
The Faculty/Staff Mentor Interest Form will remain open for the foreseeable future: bit.ly/FacultyStaffPUMPmentors
2025-2026 PUMP Board Members
Mentor Coordinator: Inwoo Shin
Family Engagement Chair: Yhara Barba
Mentee Coordinator: [TBD]
Social Chair: Zhiwen Wu
Publicity Chair: Roxana Martinez
Contact Information
Please contact us at pump@princeton.edu for more information or questions.