Be A UMN Mentor
Mentorship has the power to transform lives, providing young people with the support, wisdom, and encouragement they need to develop into confident, capable leaders. Join our program to help shape brighter futures, one conversation at a time.
Be the Guide You Wish You Had
Ready to make a difference? Explore the mentor profiles below to get a sense of who’s already part of the movement. Then, take two quick steps: create your mentorship profile and complete the mentor application. Both are required to become an official part of our program. For everyone’s safety, all mentors undergo a background check before being matched with a mentee.
Why Youth Mentorship Matters
Mentorship isn’t just support—it’s a spark. It ignites confidence, ambition, and possibility in young people during some of the most defining chapters of their lives. By showing up with guidance, wisdom, and genuine care, mentors become trusted role models, helping youth navigate challenges, set meaningful goals, and unlock their full potential. A strong mentorship connection fosters growth, builds life skills, and opens doors to new opportunities. In a fast-changing world, mentors help young minds develop resilience, self-awareness, and the tools not only to survive but also to thrive.
What We Expect from Mentors
Great mentors don’t have all the answers—they help young people discover their own. As a mentor, you’re a listener, a motivator, and a steady presence. Your role is to inspire critical thinking, offer constructive feedback, and encourage your mentee to dream big and take action. We count on our mentors to consistently show up with empathy and a commitment to growth for both their mentees and themselves. It’s about connection, not perfection.
