UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Law Minority Mentor Program (MMP) held its 10th annual kickoff reception on Friday, Sept. 6, at Toftrees Golf Resort in State College. The evening celebrated a new incoming class of juris doctor (J.D.) mentees and mentors in the longstanding program.

Victor Romero, interim dean of Penn State Law and the School of International Affairs, Maureen B. Cavanaugh Distinguished Faculty Scholar and professor of law, welcomed students, faculty and staff to the event, and delivered opening remarks.

“The Minority Mentor Program Kickoff Reception is always a fantastic way to begin the academic year,” said Romero. “Knowing the impact a mentor can make in a law student’s journey, it was wonderful to see so many new and returning students connecting and setting the tone for the year ahead.”

The MMP aims to provide support to underrepresented law students by matching them with mentors, both internal and external to Penn State Law, who are professionals in the legal field and can help mentees achieve academic and career success and emotional well-being during law school and after entering the legal profession. The MMP offers mentoring relationships to current J.D. candidates who have expressed interest in the program and who identify as students from diverse backgrounds, including students identifying as a member of a racial or ethnic group underrepresented in the practice of law; members of a religious minority; students with mental or physical disabilities; and students identifying as LGBTQ+. The program currently includes 96 student mentees, 30 faculty and staff mentors, and 65 alumni mentors.

“The Minority Mentor Program continues to thrive and grow at Penn State Law, and this year’s cohort is ready to do the work,” said Jill Engle, interim associate dean for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and professor of clinical law. “Building these mentoring relationships will help students to navigate not just law school, but the legal profession.”

Engle offered her own remarks at the reception and introduced the evening’s speakers: second-year law students Awa Ndiaye, Chloe Graham and Charity Williams, and third-year law student Amerika Jayme.

Ndiaye and Graham each spoke about what the support of both the MMP and the Black Law Students Association has meant to them during their time in law school thus far.

“The Black Law student Association and the Minority Mentorship Program at Penn State Law have both allowed me to find community,” said Ndiaye. “It was through the MMP in particular that I felt heard, supported and fulfilled. Programs like this that create a safe space and provide resources are so important for students, and I hope that the new students joining the program take advantage of this opportunity and reap all of the benefits of the MMP.”

“The mentorship provided through this program and in BLSA is not just about guidance; it’s about creating a space where we can thrive, share our unique perspectives, and support each other,” said Graham.

Jayme and Williams discussed the opportunities available to students at Penn State Law, and the importance of building community while in law school. They encouraged first-year students to start thinking early about how they want to get involved, and to make sure that they are putting in the effort.

“Run your own race, but don’t run alone,” said Jayme. “If you run with friends, you can go further and faster.”

Learn more about the Penn State Law Minority Mentor Program on the website.