a diverse group of students at the alumni center garden
 

Multicultural Engineering Program Orientation (MEPO)

Penn State College of Engineering is committed to providing access to programs and opportunities to all qualified students without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

MEPO is an exciting four-day introduction to the College of Engineering, the Center for Engineering Outreach and Inclusion, and Penn State. The program is meant to benefit first-year engineering students attending Penn State in the fall semester. Participants will have a chance to connect with other incoming first-year students as well as current undergraduate engineering students attending Penn State University Park.

A Closer Look

By participating in MEPO, you will have the opportunity to:

    • Compete in an engineering design competition
    • Pair with an upper-level mentor
    • Become familiar with academic and social resources on campus
    • Meet other incoming first-year students in the College of Engineering
    • Build a professional resume
    • Network with top industry recruiters and Penn State alumni
    • Receive 1 credit for participation
Assignments Percentage

Attendance and Participation

70%

Pre-Survey

5%

Post-Survey

5%

Mentor Family Event Attendance (two events in the fall)

10%

MEP Night Professional Development Attendance (two events in the fall)

10%

Sample Agenda

Monday 

  • Participants move into on-campus housing 

Tuesday

  • 10:00 - 10:45 a.m.: Mentor Family Meet-up at Residence Halls
  • 10:45 - 11:45 a.m.: Registration & Welcome
  • 12:00 -1:45 p.m.: Kickoff Luncheon
  • 2:00 - 2:45 p.m.: Family Introductions
  • 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.: Design Competition Kickoff 
  • 4:45 - 5:30 p.m.: Activity
  • 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.: Dinner 
  • 6:45 - 9:15 p.m.: Design Competition

Wednesday

  • 7:00 - 7:45 a.m.: Mentor Family Meet-up at Residence Halls
  • 8:00 - 8:45 a.m.: Breakfast
  • 9:00 - 9:45 a.m.: Workshop
  • 10:00 - 11:45 a.m.: Activity
  • 12:00 - 12:30 p.m.: Lunch 
  • 12:45 - 1:30 p.m.: Activity
  • 1:45 - 2:30 p.m.: Workshop 
  • 2:30 - 3:20 p.m.: Workshop 
  • 3:30 - 4:30 pm: Activity
  • 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.: Family Reflections
  • 5:30 - 6:45 p.m.: Dinner & Keynote Speaker 
  • 7:00 - 9:15 p.m.: Design Competition

Thursday

  • 7:00 - 7:45 a.m.: Mentor Family Meet-up at Residence Halls
  • 8:00 - 8:45 a.m.: Breakfast
  • 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.: Activity
  • 11:15 a.m. - noon: Workshop
  • 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.: Lunch & Alumni Networking
  • 2:15 - 3:45 p.m.: Resume Building
  • 4:15 - 5:15 p.m.: Photo
  • 5:30 - 6:45 p.m.: Dinner & Keynote Speaker 
  • 7:00 - 9:15 p.m.: Design Competition

Friday

  • 7:00 - 7:45 a.m.: Mentor Family Meet-up at Residence Halls
  • 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.: Design Competition Finale
  • 11:45 - 12:45 p.m.: Lunch & Family Reflections
  • 1:00 -1:45 p.m.: Mock Networking
  • 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.: Corporate Networking Reception
  • 4:15 - 5:15 p.m.: Networking Reception

Cost

Registration Fee: The registration fee for MEPO is $150 and includes all MEPO activities. Fee waivers are available for those with demonstrated financial need. Financial assistance for MEPO may be available on a case-by-case basis. Eligibility is based on demonstrated need and FAFSA review. You may access the FAFSA link at this link. Please complete the 2024-25 FAFSA using 2022 tax information. If you are unable to cover the full expense of the program, please briefly detail your financial background in your application.

Early arrival fee: Please note than an additional $90 will be charged to participants' Bursar accounts for early arrival on Monday, August 19.

Special Programs/Groups Early Arrival

Multiple engineering orientation programs are available. All Penn State students are required to participate in New Student Orientation, and international students are also required to participate in the International Student Orientation. All students may elect to participate in one or more engineering-specific orientations: Women in Engineering Program Orientation, Multicultural Engineering Program Orientation, or Engineering Orientation Network. Please note that some orientations overlap, and students are not permitted to participate in overlapping orientations.


MEPO 2024 Dates:

  • Dates: Tuesday, August 20 – Friday, August 23
  • Apply Here
  • Registration fee – $150
  • Early arrival fee – $90
  • Deadline to register: Friday, July 19, 11:59 p.m. E.T. 

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About

Founded to serve students from groups underrepresented in engineering, the Center for Engineering Outreach and Inclusion assists College of Engineering students, faculty, and staff with equity and inclusion engagement. The center leads the implementation of evidence-based best practices to support student belonging and degree attainment, while also encouraging involvement with justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion programs and organizations. All are welcome!

Center for Engineering Outreach and Inclusion

College of Engineering

112 Hammond Building

The Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA 16802

Phone: 814-865-4287