SP2 Mentor Collective
The Mentor Collective program enhances the student and alumni experience by connecting students one-on-one with an SP2 alum mentor
SP2 students are paired with someone invested in their success — a person ready to listen, inspire, help navigate challenges, and recognize opportunities. SP2 students will learn what to expect in their respective degree programs, how to approach challenges, and gain career advice. At the same time, SP2 alumni mentors will build their networks, develop skills to become better professionals and leaders, as well as support our future leaders in social change.
SP2 Mentor Collective Program
We are excited to offer an opportunity for current students and alumni to build a meaningful, collaborative, community of practitioner-scholars. The SP2 Mentor Collective Program is an opportunity to:
- Enhance students’ experiences
- Cultivate personal and social connections
- Develop professional networks
- Effect meaningful change
How it Works
- SP2 students will be matched with an alum mentor based on common interests, background, academics, and professional aspirations.
- Students and mentors register and complete an online survey to paint a holistic picture of their interests and experiences.
- Once you are matched with your mentee(s), you both decide how and how often you want to connect.
- An SMS text message introduces the mentor and mentee, and they can then start engaging with their counterpart.
Discussion Topics
- How do I balance the demands of school, family and work/internship/practicum placement?
- How do I get the most of out of my experience at SP2 and Penn?
- How do I make connections with professors, peers, and professionals in my area of interest?
- How can I set myself up for academic and career success?
FAQ’s
Resources for Mentors
SP2 Campus Resources
Academic Supports
Weingarten Learning Center (writing support; time management; academic workshops for international students)
Student Disability Services (classroom accommodations; exams, note taking, formatting materials/readings)
SP2 Writing Tutor (referral by academic advisor or course instructor required; 1:1 support)
Professional Development
SP2 Career & Professional Development
SP2 Grad Careers Plan/Salaries
Career Services for International Students
Support Services
CAPS Counseling and Supportive Resources (individual & group counseling; psychiatric services; 24/7 on-call service)
Student Life/Student Organizations
Graduate and Professional Student Association (LAGAPSA, BGAPSA)
Cultural Resource Centers
Pan-Asian American Community House
African American Resource Center
University Wellness Resources
The Immunization Compliance Office Contact Information:
Please feel free to contact the office with any questions at 215 746-3535 or email vpul-immun@pobox.upenn.edu. Please do not email your immunization records as they will not be processed.
The Immunization Compliance office
Student Health Services
3535 Market street, Suite 20, Mezzanine
Philadelphia PA 19104
“Participating in this mentorship program has made me feel more connected to the University of Pennsylvania.”
– Natalie, MSW ’01, SP2 Mentor
Events
08/22
NSO Activities & Lunch
Interactive activities designed to build community, help new students acclimate to Penn, and connect with SP2 staff. Lunch to follow.
Events
08/25
SP2 Convocation
Monday, August 25, 2025, 9:00am – 9:45am Inn at Penn, Woodland Conference Room, 3600 Sansom Street Required for all incoming on-campus students.
News
Student Life
08/18
SP2 announces “The Anxious Generation” as One Book, One SP2 selection
Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) has announced the selection of “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness” by Jonathan Haidt as its 2025 – 2026 One Book, One SP2 choice.
Contact Us
Jennifer Jones Clinkscales, DSW, LCSW
Associate Dean of Student Affairs
215 746 5895
215 573 2099 (fax)
jonesjen@sp2.upenn.edu
Bryanna Bonner, MA
Associate Director of Student Affairs
215 898 5503
215 573 2099 (fax)bryannab@upenn.edu