IL- Mentor a First-Generation College Student

Be the Person You Once Needed in College

Over 4.5 million first-generation college students are enrolled in U.S. colleges-but only 21% will graduate within six years. You can help America Needs You (ANY) change this.

We are still accepting Mentor Coach applications for our 2025 cohort that begins on 9/20/25.

What you'll do as a Mentor Coach:

As a volunteer Mentor Coach, you will work one-on-one with one of our Fellows through their entire two-year journey through our program, attending career development workshops and bringing our best-in-class curriculum to life with your real-world experiences and industry insight. Workshops include trainings by our expert staff, hands-on activities to practice new skills, panels and presentations, leadership opportunities and group discussions.

Program Schedule:

As a Mentor Coach, you will support your Fellow by attending monthly, 3-hour Saturday workshops from 9:30am-12:30pm.

Year 1: In-person Saturday workshops from Sept-April (once a month)

Year 2: A flexible, hybrid model that makes it easier to stay engaged while supporting your Fellow.

Workshop locations for ANY's Illinois site take place throughout Chicago. More details are provided by an ANY staff member prior to each workshop.

Mentor Coach Requirements

• You can attend one in-person half-day Saturday workshop a month with your Fellow at one of our 3 ANY Sites: Illinois (Chicago), New Jersey (Northern New Jersey), New York (NYC)
• You care about advancing racial equity and supporting economic mobility for first-generation college students
• You are a college graduate with 1+ years of work experience and are willing to share your industry expertise and network

Benefits of Mentor Coaching

• Supporting an ambitious, first-generation college student in their professional and academic endeavors. Our Fellows are amazing individuals who are ready to learn and grow in our program with our volunteers.
• Growing your leadership skills and personal professional development. Our Mentor Coaches often express growing more confident as a leader, learning additional tips that are applicable to their own career during workshops, and feeling more fulfilled in their own workplace due to paying it forward in their ANY volunteering.
• Access to the ANY network and engagement with other professionals in your region. Not only will you be interacting with your own Fellow, but also with other ANY volunteers who are professionals across various industries and companies. Additionally, Mentor Coaches have opportunities to bond during post-workshop happy hours, networking mixers, and more.

Ready to make an impact?

Learn more and get involved at americaneedsyou.org/volunteer-with-any