Founder and President: Damia Ballentine
at Penn
Meet The President
Damia
Damia
Damia
Damia
Damia Ballentine is a student at the University of Pennsylvania and the Founder of the Promoting Excellence and Achievement at Penn (PEAP) club. Damia aspires to make a positive impact as an educator, driven by her desire to give back to her community and foster a brighter future. She deeply believes in creating a more equitable society, and her mission is to spark a love for learning in her students.
Majoring in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics with a concentration in Public Policy and Governance, Damia uses her academic background to explore how education policy can be a tool for social change. She is actively involved in initiatives that support and uplift communities, striving to be a catalyst for positive change both inside and outside the classroom.
As PEAP’s President, Damia’s goal is to inspire the next generation of scholars, creating inclusive learning environments that nurture the potential of every student, regardless of their background.
Introduction
Our Mission
To provide guidance, support, and mentorship to high school students of color through student-led initiatives, equipping them with the tools and guidance needed for a successful transition into young adulthood.
Our Goals
- Empower high school students with knowledge and resources for postsecondary success.
- Foster a supportive environment through mentorship.
- Provide exposure to various career and educational pathways.
Key Components
One-on-One Mentorship
- Each high school student will be paired with a trained university student mentor.
- Mentors will provide personalized guidance, academic support, and career advice.
- Mentorship meetings will occur bi-weekly, either in person or virtually, depending on the preference and availability of both mentors and mentees.
Group Workshops & Sessions
- Monthly Workshops: Workshops on various topics such as college readiness, career exploration, financial literacy, and life skills.
- Keynote Speaker Sessions: Sessions featuring professionals in college counseling, career development, military careers, entrepreneurship, trade schools, and other postsecondary pathways to broaden students’ perspectives.
- Interactive Activities: Activities like mock interviews, resume building, and college application guidance.
Special Events
- College Tours: Organized visits to the University of Pennsylvania and other nearby institutions to provide students with firsthand experience of college life.
- Career Panels: Panels featuring university students from various majors and professions to discuss different career paths and opportunities.
- Parent and Guardian Involvement: Sessions to engage parents and guardians in the mentorship process and provide them with resources to support their children's educational and career aspirations.
Mentor Training
Pre-Program Training:
Mentors will undergo comprehensive training sessions that cover mentorship best practices, communication skills, cultural competency, and understanding diverse postsecondary pathways.
Ongoing Support:
Mentors will receive continuous support and guidance from PEAP program coordinators to ensure they are effectively supporting their mentees.
Student Recruitment
Eligibility:
The program is open to high school rising seniors of color who are interested in receiving mentorship and guidance on postsecondary pathways.
Matching Process:
Interested students will complete a form to match them with a Penn student who can support them best.
Evaluation & Feedback
Regular Check-Ins:
Program coordinators will conduct regular check-ins with both mentors and mentees to assess progress and address any challenges.
Feedback Surveys:
Periodic surveys will be distributed to gather feedback from students to continually improve the program.
Impact Assessment:
At the end of the academic year, an assessment will be conducted to measure the program's impact on students' academic performance, and readiness for postsecondary pathways.
Expectations & Responsibilities
For Mentors:
- Commit to bi-weekly mentorship meetings.
- Attend all required training sessions and workshops.
- Provide guidance, support, and encouragement to mentees.
For Mentees:
- Actively participate in mentorship meetings and program activities.
- Complete any assigned tasks or activities.
- Communicate openly with mentors about their goals and challenges.
2024
Contact Information:
President: Damia Ballentine
damiab@sas.upenn.edu
We look forward to working with you in our mission to expand access to postsecondary pathways!
