Esteemed Mentorship Program Yields Tomorrow's Leaders and Problem-Solvers

The Princeton Peer Leadership Program has been an integral part of Hamden Hall’s Upper School since its inception during the 1989-1990 school year. The year-long mentoring program allows ninth-graders the opportunity to foster connections with one another and learn more about their school community through the guidance of their elder peers – a specifically selected group of seniors who help them acclimate to the Upper School and build community among one another. 

Students are selected for the Peer Leadership program during their junior year following a rigorous application process, which includes a written application, group interviews, and faculty recommendations. After their selection, the Peer Leaders will undergo leadership training each week as part of their regular coursework during the school year.  

The Peer Leaders meet throughout the year with their freshman groups for advisory sessions, mentoring workshops, and hands-on projects. The overall purpose of the program is to help streamline the path of academic and personal success for ninth-graders, while the senior Peer Leaders continue growing on the leadership path and applying their training to future endeavors. 

The second half of the school year for our Peer Leadership groups involves community service projects. The groups are tasked with using the leadership and community-building skills they've acquired thus far to help effect change within the Hamden Hall community and indeed the greater community, if possible.