Alumni interested in volunteering as a mentor

Who is eligible to be an alumni mentor?

Any Penn alumni who works as a novelist, editor, publisher, literary agent, screenplay writer for film and television, poet, playwright, feature writer, humanities teacher in a public or private school, journalist, administrator of an arts organization, university professor, freelance writer, spoken-word performer, arts activist, cartoonist, or another writing related capacity.

What is involved?

Each mentor is paired with one Penn student. We encourage alumni and their mentees to confer by telephone, email or in person if possible. During this time, we ask that the mentor share information on his/her career path, current job, successes, failures and career advice.

How do I become a mentor?

If you work as a writer of any kind and would like to become a mentor, please submit the following information:

• Name and contact information
• Major & minor at Penn
• Year of graduation
• Description of involvement in writing at Penn (programs, publications, events, projects, etc.)
• A paragraph describing your current career, writing activities, undertakings or accomplishments

We will then pair you with a student or recent alumni. If you have any questions or would like to become a mentor, please write to writing@writing.upenn.edu or call 215-573-2729.