Volunteer to mentor lower-income, under-represented college students accepted into the ARF’s WIDE program.

 
What is WIDE?
The ARF’s WIDE program is helping create the more inclusive workforce our advertising industry needs to effectively market to an increasingly diverse population. We do this with our partners companies, donors and volunteers by providing scholarships, mentoring, training, internships and job placement for under-represented public university students interested in working in our industry upon graduation.
 
Why mentor a WIDE scholar?
While all WIDE program elements work together to connect, support, uplift, guide and help scholars be “industry-ready” upon graduation, the relationships formed between scholar and mentor have consistently been the most valued by scholars – and incredibly rewarding for mentors. Whether you have only a few years, or a few decades of experience, you have what it takes to make a huge impact on these individuals and our industry – while enriching your life as well.

 
Requirements:

• Commit to meeting with their scholar once a month for one hour to provide ongoing support. You will be paired with them as they start their junior year or first year in a masters program, so it is a two year commitment – a total of 24 hours over two years.
• Be open to attend ARF events when possible, either virtually or in person.

“My life, personally and professionally has developed 10 fold since that moment of being accepted into WIDE. My mentor has been the key to unlocking so much for me.”

Next Steps:
Each new cohort is finalized in July. We meticulously review both your and the scholar’s background to ensure the best possible matches, considering factors such as geography, field of interest and life experience. You will be notified of your mentee in August, with introductions in September following our orientation for new scholars.