Avanzando to Success Mentor Program
About Avanzando to Success
Avanzando to Success (Avanzando 2.0) is an UnidosUS program that supports third, fourth, and fifth-year postsecondary students by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and support necessary to successfully navigate postsecondary completion. The program will take place in the Spring 2025 semester at the Latino Cultural Center.
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Application:
2025 Applications now closed
Virtual Information Sessions:
Monday, January 13th, 12PM ET
Monday, January 13th 6PM ET
Registration is Closed.
Time Commitment:
February 2025 through April 2025
Meet twice a month (1-2 hours) with mentee (in person/virtually)
Methodology:
Traditional Mentoring; Mentor will have 1-2 mentees
Virtual Training (tentative schedule):
February 1st; 12PM-1PM ET; Setting Expectations and Goals for the Mentorship Relationship
February 22nd; 12PM-1PM ET; First Generation College Students & Cultural Wealth Model
March 8th; 12PM-1PM ET; Monitoring Progress and Accountability
April 5th; 12PM-1PM ET; Reflections and Insights
Mentor Program Goals
While mentors and mentees will collaboratively establish SMART goals, the overarching objectives are as follows:
Mentor Requirements
- Mentors should have at least 3-5 years of experience in the industry or field relevant to the mentee’s career interests; and
- Mentors should possess a strong understanding of key career readiness skills such as resume writing, job search strategies, interview preparation, and professional networking; and
- Mentors should have experience in roles where leadership, guidance or coaching were essential such as mentoring, training or team management.
- Mentors should have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree; though experience in relevant fields can also be considered if mentor has industry experience; and
- Mentors should have knowledge of the challenges that first-generation college students face in transition from college to the workforce.
- Mentors should be available from February through April of 2025; and
- Mentors should be able to commit to meeting mentee(s) two times per month for one to two hours per meeting.
- Mentors should be able to listen attentively to mentees’ concerns, goals and challenges; and
- Mentors should be able to explain career concepts, provide constructive constructive feedback, and engage in open, two-way dialogue.
Mentor Benefits
Giving Back: Mentors often experience a sense of fulfillment from helping others, especially those from underrepresented or disadvanaged backgrounds, such as first-generation college students. Many mentors find personal join in contributing to the success and growth of another person.
Legacy & Impact: Mentoring allows mentors to leave a lasting impact on their mentee's lives, which can provide a sense of purpose and meaning. Knowing they've played a role in shaping someone's future can be highly rewarding.
Leadership and Coaching Skills: Mentors often enhance their leadership abilities by guiding mentees, especially in areas like communication, conflict resolution, and strategic thinking. The experience can improve mentoring, coaching, and people management skills.
Active Listening & Empathy: Mentors become better listeners, learning to be patience and empathetic while understanding diverse perspectives. These skills are transferable to other professional personal contexts.
Problem Solving & Critical Thinking: Mentoring requires problem-solving, as mentors help mentees navigate challenges. This can strengthen a mentor's ability to think critically and find innovative solutions.
Expanding Professional Networks: Mentors often gain access to their mentee's networks, potentially conneting with other students, professionals, or alumni. This can lead to new collaborations, job opportunities, or business ventures.
Increased Visibility & Recognition: Mentoring can raise a mentor's profile within their organization or community, showcasing their leadership and commitment to developinging talent. This may also contribute to career advancement opportunties.
Refining Expertise: Teaching or explaining complex concepts to a mentee can help mentors solidify and refine their own understanding of their field. This can reinforce their expertise and deepen their knowledge.
Improved Communication Skills: Mentors improve their ability to articulate complex ideas and provide constructive feedback. Clear communication is crucial for both mentoring and professional success.
Self-Reflection: Mentoring encourages mentors to reflect on their own career journeys, values and challenges. They may identify areas where they've grown and gain insights into their own goals and aspirations.
Increased Emotional Intelligence: As mentors help mentees with personal and professional challenges, they devleop greater emotional intelligence, including managing emotions, fostering relationships, and showing resilience.
Building Relationships: Mentoring fosters connections between people from different backgrounds, which can lead to meaningful personal and professional relationships. This is particularly true in mentorship programs focused on first-generation college students, where the mentor might share a personal connection with the mentee's journey.
Networking within the Mentorship Program: Mentors can benefit from a community of fellow mentors, which provides opportunities for collaboration, idea sharing and peer support.
Mentors build connections with students who may become future professionals in their field, creating a broader network that could be valuable for future collaboration or opportunities.