UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The University Fellowships Office and University Libraries are seeking to fill the next first-year cohort of the Spark Program, which helps undergraduate students become more competitive when applying for popular awards and take advantage of their time at Penn State through educational experiences.

The deadline to apply is Jan. 24., and the application can be found here.

Participating first-year students will attend a series of seven workshops covering topics such as navigating obstacles, student engagement, undergraduate research, and how to make the most of their time at Penn State. Students will have the opportunity to develop their critical-thinking and technical-writing skills, while mentors will guide them as they envision their future and create a plan.

The Spark Program will meet each Tuesday evening from Feb. 11 to March 31, excluding spring break. Each session will be held in Mann Assembly Room, Paterno Library, from 5:30-7 p.m.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to recommend students to the program, and can do so here.

Students must be in their first year, have a GPA of 3.3 or higher, and be able to commit to attending at least six of the seven workshops. The program is not for credit and is completely voluntary. The Spark Program is only open to students at the University Park campus.

The Spark Program is a joint effort between University Libraries and the University Fellowships Office.

For more information on University Libraries, visit libraries.psu.edu.

The University Fellowships Office is part of Penn State Undergraduate Education, the academic administrative unit that provides leadership and coordination for University-wide programs and initiatives in support of undergraduate teaching and learning at Penn State. Learn more about Undergraduate Education at undergrad.psu.edu.