OPTION 1: The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

The Provost’s Summer Mentorship Program (SMP) is a signature initiative of Penn’s VPSE division designed to increase collegiate access for first generation, under-represented students through a summer college preparatory experience offered to rising 10th and 11th grade Philadelphia students. Admitted SMP participants attend an immersive four-week summer program curated by faculty and staff at Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine, Nursing School, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences/IT, the Penn Carey Law School of Law, and the School of Dental Medicine). Participants also engage in hands-on, experiential learning-based programming through creatively designed curricula developed to highlight, and offer exploration into the various career opportunities featured by participating Penn graduate and professional school partners. Each year participants gain knowledge and understanding of content including, but not limited to, digital literacy, wellness, personal growth, professional development, SAT test preparation, financial literacy, life skills and post-secondary educational access.