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Sparks Mentorship Program : Student
Our Program is Free!
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.
Our program is listed on the Handshake platform at 130+ colleges nationwide.
We are currently mentoring students at these colleges and welcome students from any U.S. college!
Program Benefits
College students gain numerous benefits from having mentors during their undergraduate degree programs, including:
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Guidance and Advice: Mentors provide valuable insights into academic choices, career paths, and personal development, helping students navigate the complexities of college life and beyond.
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Professional Networking: Mentors can introduce students to professional networks, opening up opportunities for internships, jobs, and collaborations that can be pivotal for their future careers.
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Skill Development: Students can learn important skills such as communication, leadership, and critical thinking from their mentors, which are crucial for both personal and professional success.
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Increased Confidence: Regular interactions with a mentor can boost a student's self-esteem and confidence by affirming their capabilities and potential.
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Enhanced Academic Performance: Mentors can provide academic support, helping students improve their study habits, understand difficult concepts, and ultimately achieve better grades.
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Career Planning and Development: With their wealth of experience, mentors can offer invaluable advice on career planning, resume building, and job interview preparation.
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Course Selection Assistance: Mentors can provide thoughtful advice on selection of courses for upcoming semesters that are in alignment with your career aspirations and interests.
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Personal Growth: Through reflection and discussion, mentors can help students understand themselves better, fostering personal growth and maturity.
Student Eligibility
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Undergraduate college students attending a US college
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Graduating high school seniors through rising college seniors may apply (mentorship is one year)
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A commitment to personal growth and academic achievement
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Commitment to learning from experienced professionals
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Time commitment is 1 hour per month for 12 months
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Exceptions may be made
Mentor Highlight - Todd McLean
Todd McLean earned his B.A. in Communication Theory from Temple University. His focus was to understand how and why people communicate the way they do. Since earning his degree, Todd has dedicated his career to assisting others in their pursuits of personal and professional success and joy. With over 13 years in the Talent Development space, Todd has learned how to identify the needs of others with ease, while providing them with solutions that surpass the expectations of a basic development plan. Being an ICF certified coach, he has used adult learning theory coupled with coaching methodologies to implement learning strategies across numerous Fortune 500 organizations on a global scale. Currently he holds the position of Talent Development Manager at Coca Cola Consolidated, where he supports teammate development, performance management, and leadership development. In his spare time, Todd enjoys traveling to new countries every year, going on challenging hikes with his dog, and supporting local businesses in his community.
Student Endorsements
Macy V.
I’m so thankful for the SetFire Sparks Mentorship Program and everything it’s taught me during my senior year of college. This program has been such a huge help as I get ready to step into such a pivotal time in my life and I’ve gained so many valuable skills and insights that I’ll take with me as I start my career. I’ve been lucky to work with Todd McLean as my mentor, and his guidance has been incredible. He’s helped me with everything from building my personal brand to perfecting my resume and preparing for interviews. These are skills that are super important for anyone entering the workforce, but they’re not always covered in detail at school. As most of you know, the transition from college to a full-time career can seem to be a very stressful and daunting experience. However, having Todd’s one-on-one advice has made the transition from college to a full-time career feel way less stressful and more manageable. If you’re thinking about joining the Sparks Mentorship Program, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s such a great way to connect with someone who’s been in your shoes and can help guide you along the way. I’m so grateful for the time and effort Todd has put into helping me, and I know this program has made a huge difference for me as I move forward.
Ethan S.
The SetFire Sparks Mentorship Program has been an incredible resource for me as a student and future professional. Through the program, I’ve had the privilege of working with Steve Westphal, whose guidance has been invaluable. Having access to a mentor with his level of experience has given me unique insights into the finance and business world while also boosting my confidence. He’s helped me plan my class schedule strategically to align with my career goals and has provided advice that has been instrumental in preparing me for internship interviews. I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received through the SetFire Sparks Mentorship Program, and I believe this program could be a game-changer for other students as well.
Anthea T.
Participating in the Spark Mentorship program has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic and professional journey. Having Edgar Peña as my mentor made all the difference. His guidance, encouragement, and genuine investment in my growth helped me navigate challenges with confidence and inspired me to pursue my goals more boldly. Edgar’s thoughtful advice and willingness to share his experiences gave me valuable insights into career development, leadership, and personal growth. Beyond just answering questions, he consistently challenged me to think critically and empowered me to take ownership of my journey. Through our conversations, I gained not only practical strategies but also a renewed sense of motivation and clarity for my future. Spark Mentorship, with mentors like Edgar, truly lives up to its name — it sparks inspiration, builds meaningful connections, and prepares mentees to thrive. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and highly recommend the program to anyone looking to grow both personally and professionally.
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.
