ASPIRE Mentorship Program

Get the details

ASPIRE helps bridge the gap between high school and college by connecting you with current SFA students who are ready to support you every step of the way. In a welcoming, small-group environment, you'll learn helpful academic strategies, gain confidence navigating campus and create connections with other new students.

This program is designed to help you feel confident, connected and excited as we approach your first semester as a Lumberjack.

ASPIRE's summer experience program will give you a fun and supporting introduction to college life. You'll build friendships, learn your way around campus and discover the beauty in our traditions.

Program overview

Throughout the three-day program, you'll experience the following before the first day of classes:

• match with an upperclassman mentor
• interactive academic success workshops 
• campus resource exploration 
• faculty and staff engagement opportunities 
• financial literacy and advising sessions 
• fun peer mentor activities
• and community-building experiences.

Relationships that stay

This program is more than just preparing for classes. It's about finding your place at SFA, getting involved and starting your college journey with a strong support system behind you.

And our support doesn't end after summer. ASPIRE peer mentors continue to guide and encourage you throughout your first year, celebrating successes and helping make the transition to college smoother and more enjoyable.

Register online.

ASPIRE goes far beyond the summer. After completing the summer experience program, you'll continue receiving academic, social and personal support throughout your first year at SFA.

We encourage you to stay connected with your peer mentor long after the program ends. Our mentors are trained to support you beyond the initial transition and help you feel confident, connected and successful during your entire college journey.

There are fantastic perks to being a part of ASPIRE.

• Attend exclusive program events.
• Meet other Lumberjacks and build lasting friendships.
• Get involved with campus organizations, traditions and events.
• Connect with valuable campus resources and support services.
• Be encouraged and guided throughout the challenges of your college journey.

This is more than just a single program! It's an opportunity to surround yourself with a community dedicated to helping students feel at home, get involved and thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

This program is free.

ASPIRE is just one of many ways SFA carries out the university's mission of "focusing on providing personal attention to help prepare [students] for the challenges of living in a global community."

Once you've registered online, we will contact you through your mySFA student email account to confirm acceptance and program availability.

The process typically takes 7 to 14 business days.

You will move in early to the residence hall that is selected for your 2026-27 housing assignment.

Information will be sent through your mySFA student email account. All details regarding your early move-in are specific to ASPIRE participants.

ASPIRE will provide meals for all participants. Information will be sent through your mySFA student email account.

You should not expect your 2026-27 meal swipes or dining dollars to work during ASPIRE's summer experience program. These funds are typically not available until the first day of classes.

After signing up for the program, you're sent a matching form to complete.

Information collected includes your major, hometown, hobbies and what you want from a mentor.

Once we receive your responses, our leadership team will use these details to match you with a mentor. This mentor will contact you in the days leading up to the summer experience program.

There are several opportunities to connect with your mentor throughout the summer experience program and upcoming academic year.

Mentors regularly check in with you, encourage you to attend ASPIRE events and campus activities, and help connect you with valuable resources and support services.

For the privacy of participants, information on move-in, check-in and the program's event schedule will be sent to you through your mySFA student email account.

You also will receive a printed copy of the program schedule at check-in.

If you have issues accessing your student email account, contact the Help Desk at 936.468.HELP.

Both.

We will offer in-person ASPIRE breakout sessions at each Lumberjack Orientation session this summer. If you're interested in ASPIRE and also will be a first-generation college student, consider attending the special session for first-gen ASPIRE students.

Outside of Lumberjack Orientation, virtual info sessions for parents and incoming students will be offered via Zoom. Check our social media accounts or email us for details.