Mentor a First-Generation College Student

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Only 21% of low-income, first-generation college students are expected to earn bachelor’s degrees. You can help America Needs You (ANY) change this.

We are now accepting Mentor Coach applications for our 2024 cohort that begins in July. Learn more and apply here: https://americaneedsyou.org/volunteer-with-any/.

As a volunteer Mentor Coach, you will work one-on-one with one of our Fellows through their entire two-year journey through our program, attending career development workshops and bringing our best-in-class curriculum to life with your real world experiences and industry insight. Workshops take place on Saturdays and include trainings by our expert staff, hands-on activities to practice new skills, panels and presentations, leadership opportunities and group discussions.

Mentor Coach Requirements

• You are able to attend one in-person half-day Saturday workshop a month with your Fellow for the 2 years of the program at one of our 3 ANY Sites: Illinois (Chicago), New Jersey (Hudson & Union County), New York (NYC)
• You care about advancing racial equity and supporting economic mobility for first-generation college students
• You are a college graduate with 1+ years of work experience and are willing to share your industry expertise and network

Benefits of Mentor Coaching

• Supporting an ambitious, first-generation college student in their professional and academic endeavors. Our Fellows are amazing individuals who are ready to learn and grow in our program with our volunteers.
• Growing your leadership skills and personal professional development. Our Mentor Coaches often express growing more confident as a leader, learning additional tips that are applicable to their own career during workshops, and feeling more fulfilled in their own workplace due to paying it forward in their ANY volunteering.
• Access to the ANY network and engagement with other professionals in your region. Not only will you be interacting with your own Fellow, but also with other ANY volunteers who are professionals across various industries and companies. Additionally, Mentor Coaches have opportunities to bond during post-workshop happy hours, networking mixers, and more.