Mentor a First-Generation to College Student

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Share your wisdom and experience with a motivated young adult!

Future Link students are first-generation, low income, ages 18-25 and are working towards a brighter future. Our students are resilient, insightful, and motivated, and though the barriers they face threaten derailment, mentors help students process complex issues, identify solutions, and develop and implement plans so that they may realize their fullest potential. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused even greater disadvantages to our already marginalized student population, which is why our students need additional support to help navigate challenges as they attend Montgomery College, a vocational training program, work full-time, or choose to re-access their education plan.

Students enter the Future Link program through a 15-week Self-Advocacy and Career Development Seminar, after which they are matched with a mentor.

Mentors meet the student where they are,working with them on:

• Soft skills such as time management, communication, and asking for help.
• Evaluating career paths and required education or training requirements.
• Preparing transfer applications and researching and applying for scholarships.
• Creating a resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile.
• Navigating the complexities of higher education and office/company cultures.
• Critically thinking through decisions and brainstorming outcomes.
• Working through external factors (family pressures, work commitments, mental health).

Mentors become the regular point of contact with the student and the Future Link staff. In addition, Future Link provides resources as needed to support the student and mentor. For instance, if the student needs to create a budget or a LinkedIn profile and that is not the mentor's strength, a different volunteer will work with the student in that area.

Mentors attend two training sessions and a one-on-one meeting with staff before meeting their mentee. Continuous support is provided once matched with a mentee. We request an initial one-year commitment with an option to continue beyond that time frame.

Mentors must be 30+ years of age, live or work in Montgomery County, Maryland and have at least five years’ work experience in their career field.

There is no greater reward then helping transform a life!

Apply online today at futurelinkmd.org/mentor-application. Once your application has been received, a Future Link staff member will contact you to schedule a conversation to learn more.