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

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 2025-26 FAFSA using 2023 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 that an additional $120 will be charged to participants' Bursar accounts for early arrival on Monday, August 18.

Special Programs/Groups Early Arrival