INSPIRE
Apply for the 2025-2026 Multicultural Retention Services Mentor/Lead Mentor positions. Apply here.
INSPIRE is short for Inclusive Network Supporting Pacific Islander Retention in Education. It centers around first-generation, minority, and underrepresented Pacific Islander identifying students’ experiences. Throughout a student's first year at Portland State, INSPIRE is designed to help you succeed by offering the following opportunities listed below.
BENEFITS:
- Resources: Access culturally affirmative academic support, career-related workshops, financial aid guidance, and helpful tools to make your transition to college life easier.
- Networking: Connect with other students, staff, faculty, and professionals who have been in your shoes, and grow your support system on campus!
- Leadership Skills: Learn your communication style, take on leadership roles, and prepare for future career opportunities.
- Community: Join a community of students and staff who share your experiences and cultural background. You're not alone in this journey!
- Support: We understand that sometimes students go for non-traditional academic year plans, and we get it! Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, from your first day of Orientation to Graduation Day!
As a year-long program, INSPIRE is designed to uplift first-generation students, helping all participants succeed at Portland State and beyond. We're excited to be a part of your journey! Those in our year-long program are expected to participate in Multicultural Retention Services(MRS) and INSPIRE events. There is a one-week-long program in September before the fall term begins that students are expected to join. Those within our program are expected to engage with peers and mentors, as well as meet once a month with their program coordinator.
REQUIREMENTS:
If accepted into the program, all INSPIRE students are required to:
- Attend an intake appointment to discuss details of the program
- Participate in Portland State University’s mandatory New Student Orientation
- Meet regularly with Advisor & designated Mentor
- Enroll in and attend the EMPOWER/INSPIRE College Success Course for Fall Quarter (worth 3 credits and paid for by the program)
- Attend mandatory programs/events/activities/workshops
- Submit Mid-quarterly Progress Reports
ELIGIBILITY:
- Be admitted to PSU as a new incoming freshman or transfer student
- Demonstrate financial need (FAFSA/ORSAA Pell Eligibility)
- Enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits per term
- Must be a first-generation college student*
- Meet the minimum 2.5 GPA requirement (Each Term/Overall Cumulative)
APPLICATION PROCESS:
To successfully apply, please use our online MRS application and select the INSPIRE Program.
Paper Applications are also available in our office (please see address below).
API Student Services
Diversity and Multicultural Student Services
Smith Memorial Student Union, Suite 425
Portland State University
Portland, OR 97207-0751
INSPIRE MENTORS:
INSPIRE Mentors are an additional resource in our program and serve as current successful PSU students who function as role models to new incoming freshmen and student transfers. Trained mentors serve to inspire, motivate, and empower new mentees by providing them with the academic or personal services available so that they succeed. At the end of each semester, mentors become more effective leaders and gain the qualities expected of supportive community members.