Info for mentors

Mentoring an Illinois Promise Scholar is a unique and rewarding opportunity. The success of our program relies heavily on the commitment of those who volunteer and participate.  

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Mentors are volunteers who are academic professionals, graduate students, alumni, current or retired faculty, and community members.  

  • Make a one-academic-year commitment and meet with mentee for a minimum of one hour per month (though most mentors and mentees meet every other week)
  • Serve as a role model and resource on personal, academic, and professional matters
  • Participate in a required initial orientation session in the fall and ongoing learning opportunities throughout the year, as available
  • Receive the IP Picks bi-weekly student bulletin email to stay informed of opportunities available to Illinois Promise Scholars
  • Have the chance to attend sponsored mentor/mentee events including a Mentor Appreciation celebration at the end of the spring term

Recruitment of new mentors takes place each year from late May to August.  During that time, mentors create an online mentor profile, meet individually with the Assistant Director for a 30-minute introductory meeting, and attend a required kickoff/orientation session in mid-August. Mentor/mentee matchmaking takes place through the month of September. 

Though the 2022-2023 recruitment process is on hold, we are in need of mentors for the 2023-2024 school year. Kristine McCoskey, Director, at mccoske1@illinois.edu if you would like to volunteer. 

  • MentorU is a series of educational and social programs offered throughout the year to keep mentors informed and connected. Learning opportunities are held once per semester and social mentor/mentee Connect events are sponsored each month.
  • Mentors are encouraged to subscribe to Mentor Mail, an electronic mailing list designed to allow I-Promise mentors to exchange information and ideas, ask and answer questions, and generally enhance their service and support to I-Promise Scholars.
  • Our 2020-2021 Mid-Year Evaluation provided helpful insight into how the mentoring partnerships typically take shape. To learn more about what participants are experiencing, view the results here. 
  • Mentors and mentees are asked to review and complete a Statement of Intent at their first meeting together. Simply snap a photo (front and back) of the Statement of Intent and send it to ipromise@illinois.edu.