What We’re About: The Peer to Peer Mentoring and Volunteer program’s mission and goals are guided by student ideas. If you have a passion for reaching out and want to share, this is the time and place to make it happen! Our mission is to build relationships among students and their community so that they may learn from each other and find the support needed to truly be successful in college and in life.

The program is designed to provide an environment where students are empowered to create opportunities meant to enhance their learning beyond the classroom, bringing in varied passions and experience. Working in a team setting students often serve in their own capacity in clubs, organizations, programs, and student government but come together to share and collaborate working to build community. The Peer to Peer Mentoring and Volunteer program is the glue that holds the college community together. It fosters exciting opportunities for students to serve as leaders.

A P2P can be anyone. Some students, already active in various clubs, programs and their community, are drawn to the program because it is a place where ideas come together and action is supported, while on the other hand many students are drawn to the program because they are new to the college and possibly to the community. All students soon learn their capacity to become servant leaders and learning is mutual at many levels. Historically, many Associated Student Government (ASG) and other Club officers make their start in the Peer to Peer mentoring program. If you have great ideas that will help students get connected and become exceptional during their college career; If you see ways to fill in gaps, make opportunities more visible, form bridges and eliminate barriers; If you feel passionate about community. These are exactly the qualities of what it means to be a Peer to Peer Mentor at Bellevue College.

The peer mentoring program connects our first year students with successful continuing students with whom they are likely to identify. By providing social support in a friendly environment, peer mentors help first year students with their transition to the university, make them feel at home in the academic environment, and enhance their college experience.

Mentors can also serve as “Peers on Duty,” (affectionately known as PODS). These volunteers play a specific role in the P2P office, greeting students and providing campus tours. They also serve as Ambassadors promoting upcoming social events, volunteer opportunities, and leadership training.
Core Role of the Program:

• Serve as conduit of ideas, knowledge and peopleM
• Design, evaluate and re-invent ideas for outreach and networking
• Empower volunteers to work together
• Foster trust among diverse programs, clubs and community leaders

Ambassadors: take the lead on designing, planning and delivering the student presence at New Student Orientation, First Year Experience, and first three days of school Outreach: Welcoming new students to the school every quarter in our Phone-a-thons Networking: Student designed social events such as our food-themed parties (Spud Olympics or International Burger Making Contest) Hikes, Kayaking, Trips to Seattle…

Servant Leaders: monthly volunteer events for groups of students to participate in together on campus and in the greater community: Seattle Green Festival, Special Olympics, The American Indian Film Festival….
Leadership Development: Active in the Leadership Institute offering leadership retreats, credited classes, and monthly training sessions.

If you are interested in becoming part of the P2P program, click on the application, fill it out and submit it to the Student Programs front desk. Or, better yet, come by and see us! The P2P office is located in Student Programs, C212, above the cafeteria. Once you sign up, you will receive email notices for upcoming events and opportunities. It’s up to you how often and when you want to engage.
We look forward to seeing you soon!