Lion Guidez is a peer mentoring and coaching program that pairs new first-year undergraduate students with current students to support their success at Penn State. Trained Lion Guidez mentors connect with incoming students before the start of the semester and serve as their guides throughout their first year. The program enhances knowledge of campus resources, fosters a stronger sense of belonging, and cultivates a peer support system aimed at helping new Penn State students succeed.

The program is offered at Penn State Abington, Altoona, Brandywine, and Hazleton beginning in summer 2021 and will expand to additional Penn State campuses in the near future.

New, incoming first-year students meet with their Lion Guidez mentors on a regular schedule, through group and one-on-one meetings that may occur in-person or virtually. New students benefit from the experiences of their peers and are connected early and often to the academic, financial, and engagement resources on campus.

Participation as a mentor in Lion Guidez brings with it many benefits as well. As mentors, students can earn funds to help pay for their own college expenses, while getting the opportunity to use their knowledge, experience, and creativity to help their fellow students succeed. The personal and professional benefits are many.

Through these connections, the Lion Guidez program encourages an engaging and supportive experience that helps new students succeed while realizing the many benefits of being a Penn State student. The program also hopes to foster friendships that last a lifetime.