Sparks Mentorship Program : Mentor

Our program is listed on the Handshake platform at 100+ colleges nationwide.

The Sparks Mentorship Program is an innovative initiative that pairs retired and currently active professionals with college students to facilitate meaningful exchanges of knowledge and advice. By drawing on the extensive experience of its mentors, the program aims to unlock the potential of the next generation, creating a link between academic theory and practical experience in the professional world. This service is offered free of charge, driven solely by the our desire to contribute to the community.

Mentor Benefits

Personal Fulfillment: Many mentors find joy in giving back, knowing they're making a positive impact on the next generation.
Developing Leadership and Coaching Skills: Mentoring hones leadership and coaching abilities, which are valuable for personal and professional growth.
Staying Current with Emerging Trends: Mentors often learn about new technologies, trends, and perspectives that younger generations bring, keeping them informed and engaged.
Strengthened Professional Network: Mentoring can introduce mentors to new networks, including other mentors, faculty, and young professionals, expanding their professional reach.
Legacy and Influence: Mentors leave a legacy by shaping future leaders, influencing industries, and fostering a culture of giving back.
Fresh Perspectives: Engaging with students offers mentors new ways of thinking, problem-solving, and viewing the world, which can be refreshing and inspiring.

mentor benefits

Mentor Eligibility (General Guidelines - Exceptions Made)

Retired and active professionals from diverse industries.
Minimum of 10 years of professional experience.
Minimum of 5 years in a management / leadership role (or strong experience developing others).
Passion for teaching and sharing knowledge.
Graduate with four-year college degree (can relate to the college experience).
Commitment to supporting and guiding college students.
Time commitment is 1 hour per month for 12 months (not including any prep time)
Exceptions made on case-by -case basis

mentor eiligibility

Student Eligibility

Undergraduate college students attending a US college
Graduating high school seniors through rising college seniors may apply (mentorship is one year)
A commitment to personal growth and academic achievement
Commitment to learning from experienced professionals
Time commitment is 1 hour per month for 12 months
Exceptions may be made

student eligibility

Mentorship Standards

In alignment with the above program benefits, we have implemented a routine checklist of topics for all mentors to consider including within their mentorships. While each student will have unique goals and needs, the below checklist will be consistently applied and discussed across all mentorships.

standards

Important note about the above standards: our mentors are not required to know all of these topics! While it is crucial for a mentor to possess strong fundamental experience and skills, their main role is to guide students towards the resources necessary to achieve proficiency in the chosen areas that align with their goals. Our standards provide a comprehensive set of resources for each topic listed above.