Sparks Mentorship Program: Mentor a College Student in the US (1 Hour a Month, 12 Months)

Share what your career taught you — one hour a month.

The Sparks Mentorship Program pairs working and retired professionals with undergraduates attending US colleges — students who are working hard toward a career but don't have anyone in their corner who's lived one. Right now, accepted students are waiting because we don't have enough mentors in their fields.

What mentors do

Meet virtually with one student, once a month, for twelve months. You're not teaching a class or reviewing resumes — you're offering the things a young person can't get from a textbook: how to think about career choices, how to navigate ambiguity, what the working world actually rewards, and the confidence that comes from someone experienced taking them seriously.

What it takes

One hour a month for twelve months, scheduled around your life. Professional experience in any field — business, engineering, technology, supply chain, healthcare, the arts, anything. No mentoring or teaching experience required: there's no curriculum to prepare, our platform guides each conversation, and a short onboarding session gets you started. Working and retired professionals are equally welcome — retired mentors bring some of the deepest experience in the program.

How matching works

Every match is made personally — never by software. You'll be paired with a student pursuing your field, and you'll see their goals and background before anything begins.

The Sparks Mentorship Program is run by SetFire Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The program is completely free for students and run entirely by volunteers.