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Overview

Mentors

Launched in 2020, the SummerWorks mentorship program connects young adults with a mentor to help them explore career opportunities, build their professional networks, and develop essential job and leadership skills. SummerWorks mentors represent a wide range of career trajectories, educational backgrounds, identities, and experiences.​

2024 Mentor Applications Now Open!

If you have any questions about becoming a mentor, please email mail@summerworks.info

Want to learn more?

Register for an upcoming information session where you can learn more about our 2024 programming:

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  • VIRTUAL: Friday, February 9, 2024 @ 9:00am

  • VIRTUAL: Wednesday, February 15, 2024 @ 12:00pm

  • HYBRID BREAKFAST: Wednesday, February 21 2024 @ 8:30am

  • HYBRID BREAKFAST: Tuesday March 5, 2024 @ 8:30am

  • ON-CAMPUS BREAKFAST SESSION: Thursday, March 7, 2024 @ 9:00am (Hybrid + UM School of Social Work)

  • VIRTUAL: Thursday, March 13, 2024 @ 5:00 pm

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In-person sessions will be held at MichiganWorks! Southeast located at 1201 E Ellsworth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Food will be provided at in-person sessions. 

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Be a Mentor

  • Promote opportunities for young professionals to expand their networks, explore career opportunities, and develop their leadership skills

  • Be a trusted confidant who can help your mentee consider how  opportunities align with their career path and long-term goals

  • Mentoring a young person is a great reminder of your own expertise and experiences. You can develop key leadership competencies and reflect on your own role within an organization

Key Dates 2024

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  • Application Opens | January 15

  • Application Due Date | April 7

  • Mentor Orientation | May 15 or May 17

  • Background Check Materials due | May 20

  • Mentorship Period Begins | Week of June 17

  • (New) Optional Networking Lunch | June 21

  • Program Ends | August 23

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“As a participant of SummerWorks, you have an army of amazing success coaches by your side, guiding you step by step”

- Anastasia Frederick, 2021 SummerWorks Participant

Benefits of Mentorship

Mentees have the opportunity to: 

  • Receive guidance during a transitional time

  • Explore career paths

  • Identify career aspirations

  • Network with experienced professionals

  • Make an action plan to reach long-term goals

  • Participate in professional development

Mentorship Program Logistics

Who can be a mentor?

  • Anyone interested in providing guidance and support to a young adult (aged 16-24) is welcome to mentor!

  • Mentors can be located anywhere and meet with their mentee via teleconferencing.
     

How are mentors matched?

  • Each SummerWorks participant is matched with a mentor based on professional / personal interests and individual goals, including career field and trajectory, educational background, passions and personal interests, and when appropriate, social identities.

What is the time commitment?

  • Mentors will hold one ~30-60 minute meeting per week for the duration of the summer program.
     

What topics do mentors help with?​

  • General topics include career prep, professional development and navigating the workplace, college prep, and goal setting.

  • Mentors can expect mentees to come prepared to meetings with topics they would like to cover, questions their mentor can assist with, or concerns they would like to discuss.

“Program staff matched us with a mentor based on our interests. I was matched with a mentor who does graphic design and artwork for companies.”

Chinedum Wejinya, 2021 SummerWorks Participant

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Policy for Working with Minors

All mentors matched with a minor (individual under the age of 18) will need to be in compliance with the University of Michigan Children on Campus policy. In order to be eligible to participate, mentors must:

  • Complete four training modules annually (~30-minute time commitment)

  • Undergo a mandatory background check (expires after two years) 

Mentor Support and Resources

  • ​All mentors and mentees may choose to complete a Mentorship Contract to set goals and expectations for the summer.

  • Mentorship Curriculum helps guide mentorship relationships and meetings. Visit the Mentorship Curriculum webpage here.

Please note that currently, this is a volunteer opportunity and is unpaid.

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