Peer Leader Program

What Is the Peer Leader Program?

Asian American Center Peer Leaders sitting in a group.

The Peer Leader Program is a resource at the Asian American Center for incoming undergraduate first-year and transfer students.

New students may apply to be a mentee and be paired with a Peer Leader, a continuing student that acts as a mentor and source of support. In addition to having their Peer Leader as a resource, mentees will:

  • Learn about Asian American identity
  • Attend exclusive Peer Leader Program events, including local trips!
  • Meet and connect with other Asian and Asian American students
  • Connect to campus and local resources as well as the larger Tufts community

Fun fact: The Peer Leader Program is the longest running program at the AAC!

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What Events Are Organized through the Peer Leader Program?

The program coordinates regular events that are exclusive to students accepted to the Peer Leader Program. This includes educational events that focus on a variety of Asian and Asian American experiences, workshops to help students transition to Tufts, and social opportunities to engage with peers and build community. 

In recent years, popular events have included speed-friending, as well as local group trips such as to Boston Chinatown or Kung Fu Tea. Most expenses for events are covered by the Asian American Center.

For examples of past events please check out the Peer Leader Program Instagram.

What Requirements Are There for Mentees in the Peer Leader Program?

Applicants should be a matriculating undergraduate student (as a first-year or transfer student), as well as identify as Asian and/or Asian American.

Mentees in the program can except the following time commitments during the fall and spring semesters:

  • Bi-weekly curricular workshops or educational meetings, 1-hour during open block (on either Monday or Wednesday)
  • A monthly social meeting or outing (Oct-Dec, Feb-Apr)
  • Communicating and meeting with their Peer Leader

There will also be additional optional events and workshops for mentees to attend based on interest. 

How Do I Join?

First-year and transfer students (undergraduates only) can join the Peer Leader Program as a mentee by applying when applications launch in early September. Sign up here to receive an email when more information is available! 

How Can Your Peer Leader Be a Resource?

Peer Leaders learn about Asian American topics and issues, coordinate events for the community, and serve as resources to you in your transition to Tufts. Feel free to seek out your Peer Leader if you have questions on academics, clubs and activities, residence life, the Asian American community, or the wider Tufts community. Your Peer Leader will also keep you informed of relevant events that may be of interest to you throughout the year.