College is full of new experiences, friendships, and endless opportunities. It can also feel a bit overwhelming at times. That鈥檚 why we created Foundation to Fly, a peer mentoring program designed just for you as you begin your journey at Kennesaw State University.

By joining Foundation to Fly, students will be carefully matched with a Wing Leader 鈥� an experienced upperclassman who knows exactly what it鈥檚 like to navigate the transition to college. Wing Leaders provide academic and personal support to help first-year students adjust to college life, set goals, and discover campus resources to help you succeed. Whether you have questions about study habits, want to get involved on campus, or simply need someone to listen and encourage you, your Wing Leader is here for you every step of the way.

ksu students collaborating at a table.

What is a Wing Leader?

Wing Leaders are trained KSU upperclassmen who mentor first-year students. They help you feel confident as you soar into your first-year experience at 黑料网. Wing Leaders are here to help first-year students build meaningful connections and succeed at 黑料网 and beyond.

How Can a Wing Leader Help You?

Academic Support

Your Wing Leader will help you navigate campus resources and develop important skills like time management and study strategies, setting you up for academic success.

Community Building

Your Wing Leader will introduce you to other first-year students and help you find your community. Through learning labs, social events, and interest groups, you鈥檒l build friendships and connections.

Getting Connected

Your Wing Leader will help you feel at home at 黑料网 by connecting you with clubs, organizations, and campus activities 鈥� making it easier to find your people and feel that sense of belonging.

Personal Growth

Your Wing Leader is also there to listen, encourage you to explore your interests, and help you tackle new challenges. Your Wing Leader will be there to support your learning and personal growth throughout your first year. 

Our Mission

Wing Leaders help First-Year Students develop a foundation to fly by serving as relational role models, sharing authentic stories and mutual experiences. Wing Leaders are committed to fostering meaningful connections and providing thoughtful guidance on how to navigate the KSU experience. 

Beyond Peer Mentoring

When you join Foundation to Fly, you鈥檒l gain access to exclusive opportunities to help you grow, connect, and make the most of your first-year experience:

  • Want to meet first-year students who share your passions? Join one of our Interest Groups. FIG topics for Fall 2025: 
    Ideas Worth Sharing  Want to be on the TED talk stage someday? Develop your public speaking skills and stage presence through improv, games, and debates.
    Leaders Who Lift  Learn how to lead from your values through guest speakers, networking opportunities, and student leadership events.
    Build and Battle  Lego Master? Bridge builder? Collaborate with or challenge your fellow students as you face increasingly tricky tasks.
    Create and Cultivate This group blends the fun of journaling, arts and crafts, and scrapbooking, allowing students to reflect on their journey, set meaningful goals, and celebrate their growth.
    Passport to Learning Dream of studying abroad? Love learning languages, eating food from different cultures, and meeting new people? This is for you!

  • Connect with Academic Success Coaches who can help you navigate challenges, set goals, and support you all year long.

  • Want to sharpen your skills in communication, study strategies, time management, and more? Learning Labs are interactive, hands-on experiences designed to help first-year students explore these topics in a fun, supportive environment.

    You can find upcoming Learning Labs on the Academic Coaching & Support .

  • Enjoy special invites to fun events. Plus, you鈥檒l receive surprise perks and goodies along the way! 
  • Take your involvement to the next level by earning a micro-credential that recognizes your successful transition into college. It鈥檚 a proud accomplishment and a great way to showcase your growth!

How Do I Join Foundation to Fly?

Some first-year students will automatically receive a Wing Leader based on their fall semester course block schedule.

If you鈥檙e not automatically paired but would like to connect with a Wing Leader, or if you鈥檇 like to participate in any of our other offerings, we鈥檇 love to have you join us!

You can also email foundationtofly@kennesaw.edu for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Foundation to Fly is a first-year support program offered by Academic Coaching & Support. Your Foundation to Fly team is:

  • Yes! Foundation to Fly is open to ALL first-year students! Online or in-person, Marietta or Kennesaw campus, part-time or full-time. This program is for YOU.
  • Yes! While we designed our offerings to work together, you can also select what works best for you. For example, you could start by building a strong relationship with your Wing Leader and then choose to join a Foundation Interest Group to broaden your social connections. Or develop your strengths and set goals with your first-year Student Success Coach, and then add on peer mentorship and FIGs later!
  • While there isn鈥檛 a deadline, the program is designed to enrich your experience beginning with your very first day. The sooner you share your interest in becoming a Foundation student, the better! (You don鈥檛 want to miss out on the Welcome Bash!)
  • When you share your interest in becoming a Foundation student, we will send you a Mentor Match survey. You鈥檒l have the opportunity to talk about your major, campus, mentor preferences, hobbies and interests, and dream job. We will match you with a Wing Leader who is perfectly suited to mentor and support you. We love our Wing Leaders, and you will too!

Meet the Wing Leaders

  • binta mccarther.
    Hello! My name is Binta McCarther, and I am a senior majoring in psychology with a minor in sociology here at 黑料网. My favorite KSU memory would definitely have to be attending the Yard Show, where I got to experience the excitement and energy of the step performances from fraternities and sororities. It was such a fun and memorable event!

    As a Wing Leader, I鈥檓 excited to connect with first-year students and help them navigate their college journey. Starting college can be overwhelming, and my goal is to be that supportive resource to help students feel at home and take full advantage of all the opportunities KSU offers. Whether it's guiding students to the right resources or encouraging them to attend events and make connections, I鈥檓 here to make their first year as smooth and enjoyable as possible!

    Outside of school, I love dancing, crocheting, hanging out with friends, and learning new recipes. I鈥檓 always up for trying something new and meeting new people, so don鈥檛 hesitate to say hi!

  • Hey Y'all
    genevieve ahey.
    ! I鈥檓 Genevieve, a second-year Management major and minoring in the President's Emerging Global Scholars cohort. I'm involved in a couple RSO's on campus namely Collegiate 100 & The Industrious Women's Network. At 黑料网, I love spending time with friends, listening to music, and exploring campus events through Owl Life. As a Wing Leader, I鈥檓 excited to connect with students and help them navigate college life. SSP offers incredible events that support both academic success and personal growth, and I can鈥檛 wait to be a part of that journey!
  • geovannie cuevas.

    Hello, my name is Geovanni Cuevas, and I am 3rd year Computer Science student. I am the President of ColorStack and I am the Professional Development Chair for Upsilon Pi Epsilon, the Computer Science Honor Society. My favorite experiences at 黑料网 have been getting to meet new people with the same career goals and interests. Outside of school, I have strong interests in Formula 1 racing and web development!

    As a Wing Leader I have been able to connect with many first-year students and assist them with any questions whether it be academic, social, or professional! I have a ton of knowledge about the different resources and programs on campus, especially on the Marietta campus. 

  • victor rodriguez.
    My name is Victor Rodriguez, and I鈥檓 a third-year Mechanical Engineering student with a minor in Mechatronics. One of my most memorable experiences at 黑料网 was participating in Stomp Out Violence to help raise awareness about domestic violence鈥攁n event that truly made an impact on me.

    As a Wing Leader, I鈥檓 thrilled to meet and connect with so many talented individuals. Helping new students find their place on campus and making their transition smoother is something I genuinely enjoy. Be sure to join us at our events to meet me and my fellow Wing Leaders鈥攚e have an exciting semester planned for you all! I can鈥檛 wait to see you there.