Bear POWER Ambassadors

Bear POWER ambassadors enjoying a summer day on campus.

What is a Bear POWER Ambassador?

Bear POWER Ambassadors are student volunteers who support and empower Bear POWER students in their college experiences. Ambassadors are undergraduate and graduate students who form one-on-one relationships with Bear POWER students and engage with them both academically and socially.

How does Bear POWER Ambassadors work?

All Bear POWER Ambassadors will undergo an application process, training and background check before they are partnered with Bear POWER students. Bear POWER Ambassadors will meet throughout the week with students and will also be in constant contact with Bear POWER staff. Volunteer hours will vary based on student availability from week to week, but we ask that on average students are meeting for 2-3 hours per week.

Bear POWER Ambassadors will create a circle of support for the Bear POWER students with up to four ambassadors working with one Bear POWER student in areas of academic, social and health/wellness. Connections like these help facilitate natural inclusion of all students within the college setting.

How can I become a Bear POWER Ambassador?

If you would like to learn more about becoming a Bear POWER Ambassador please email us at BearPOWER@MissouriState.edu so we can add you to our contact list.

Download the Bear POWER Ambassador HandbookDownload the flyer: What our ambassadors are sayingDownload the flyer: Become an ambassador

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Apply online now

What our ambassadors are saying

Giving back to others

"Being a Bear POWER Ambassador means helping create and maintain a safe and inclusive environment along with accepting people with different abilities! I’ve loved meeting new friends and seeing them thrive at our school. I have autism so being an Ambassador is a way to give back so others with different abilities can be accepted by everyone.” - Emily Daily

Being different is encouraged

"I absolutely love being a Bear POWER Ambassador! It has helped me learn how to promote inclusion and making sure that everyone feels welcome, safe, and involved. Bear POWER has provided me with a true 'home away from home' - a group that has helped me form some seriously AMAZING friendships. Plus, I’ll never forget that Bear POWER has reminded me that it’s not only okay to be goofy, have dance parties, and laugh endlessly, but it’s encouraged. I am so thankful for the Bear POWER program!" - Natalie Olson

Free to be yourself without judgment

"To me, being an Ambassador means being hopeful and openminded as we are pushing to make this world more inclusive and aware. Being an Ambassador makes me feel as though I can positively contribute to bringing about a secure place for everyone to freely be themselves without any judgment or close-mindedness. I’m honored to be apart of this life-changing organization and can’t wait to see what’s in store for the future of Bear POWER." - Aerrionna Smith

Research:

Motivations and Expectations of Peer Mentors Within Inclusive Higher Education Programs for Students With Intellectual Disability
Erik W. Carter, Jenny R. Gustafson, Michael M. Mackay, Kaitlyn P. Martin, Misty V. Parsley, Jennifer Graves, Tammy L. Day, Lauren E. McCabe, Hannah Lazarz, Elise D. McMillan, Chrisann Schiro-Geist, Maurice Williams, Tom Beeson, and John Cayton

Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals 2018 42:3, 168-178