HC IMPACT Mentors

Serving as an HC IMPACT Mentor has allowed me to connect with and support great first-year students. I am inspired by their passion and willingness to serve their community, as well as their growth over the week of service. I can’t imagine my college experience without HC IMPACT and the relationships that I have fostered from it.

Program Description

The Honors College is holding a service-learning week from Saturday, August 15 through Wednesday, August 19 for 60 incoming first-year students. Student participants will live on campus in a residence hall and engage in service projects with different community based organizations, critically reflect with one another on their experiences, and build community with other incoming first-year students.

HC IMPACT Mentor Position Information

Mentors should possess an ethic of service, with clear commitment to working with MSU and the East Lansing/Lansing communities. In addition, Mentors should demonstrate a desire to work with incoming Honors College students to aid in the new students’ transitions to both MSU and the Honors College.

Mentors will have the opportunity to establish relationships in the East Lansing and Lansing communities, engage with the newest members of the Honors College, and work closely with Honors College staff and faculty. Mentors will be asked to move into their on- or off-campus housing prior to the start of the program on Saturday, August 15.

During the week of service, Mentors will engage in the following activities: lead community building activities, aid in the transportation of participants (driving vans, etc.), facilitate reflection and discussion activities, participate in service at various sites around the community, and serve as mentors for the first-year participants.

For more information on what the program has looked like, view the 2025 HC IMPACT Participants Schedule.

Eligibility

Applicants must be planning to enroll for classes at MSU at least through the Fall semester after the program.

Application

2026 Timeline
– December 2025: Applications open (must be submitted via the Google Form)
– January 27, 2026: Applications close and résumés due
– Mid-February 2026: Interviews
– Late February/early March 2026: Mentor candidates notified of selection

Mentor Training

If offered the position, it is expected that you are available for monthly training dates (in-person during Spring, virtual during Summer); participation in training is crucial to your success as a Mentor. If training dates pose a conflict in terms of your availability, there is a section in the application where you can explain further.

Please direct any questions about HC IMPACT to Program Coordinator Erika Crews.