Celebrate National Mentoring Month

Now, more than ever, students need guidance. Impactful mentors can change lives. Expertise from the right mentor can enhance a student’s professional path. Mentoring is a tangible tool for bringing people together, creating healthier and more connected communities, and addressing many causes of inequality. We encourage you to consider inviting your alumni to mentor a current student. 

January, National Mentoring Month, is the perfect time to encourage your alumni to join the mentoring movement! According to the report “The Power of Relationships: How and Why American Adults Step Up to Mentor the Nation’s Youth,” a quarter of adults are actively engaged in mentoring young people, and far more would be interested if they had more information on mentoring opportunities. Several of the reasons most often cited for not participating include a lack of information: 26% don’t know how to get involved, 22% believe there are no local opportunities, and 8% are simply waiting for someone to ask them. 

Here are some tips to keep in mind when engaging your Alumni and inviting them to become mentors:

Determine the type of mentors you need. You may find that certain types of mentors are more appropriate for your program and students than others.

Establish a process for alumni to become mentors. This can include an application (or the Alumni Toolkit profile), personal and professional references, a background check, and/or an interview. 

Facilitate an info session. Host a brown bag lunch (virtual works too!) with prospective mentors to raise their awareness of opportunities to connect with your current students.

Be clear about expectations. Describe the amount of time, the type of activities they are interested in supporting, and the number of students they would like to mentor.

Looking for resources to get started? Let us know what you need!