For consideration as Nittany Lions Read/Nittany Lions Count Mentors, Penn State students must have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Qualified students must already have a Federal Work-Study student aid award, or demonstrate federal financial need as determined by The Office of Student Aid. Please confirm your eligibility with OSA before applying for a position as a Nittany Lions Read/Nittany Lions Count Mentor.
Along with demonstrated eligibility, qualified applicants must also:
- Have an interest in working with children. Previous experience working with children is preferred;
- Be motivated, resourceful, dependable and willing to engage with the children and families of the community through their work with a participating Community Partner;
- Acknowledge the benefits of community service and service learning opportunities;
- Be committed to working in racially, ethnically and economically diverse community; and,
- Represent the Penn State University in a responsible and respectful manner.
Returning mentors who have received positive evaluations from their placement sites will be given priority placements for the upcoming academic year. New applicants who can work a minimum of four hours per week and are willing to offer a year-long commitment will be given preference. All academic levels (first year through graduate school) are encouraged to apply.
Nittany Lions Read/Nittany Lions Count Mentors are required to obtain all mandatory clearances (including The Pennsylvania State Criminal Background Check, The Pennsylvania State Child Abuse Clearance, and The FBI Fingerprinting Clearance), as well as a National Sex Offender Registry Verification, as part of the hiring process. Community Partners may require that mentors obtain a Health Assessment/TB Test for participation at their site. Prior to placement, all students must complete a minimum of six hours of paid training.