Mentoring a WIDE Scholar is a chance to support the growth of a promising future professional while contributing to a stronger, more prepared next generation of industry talent. Your guidance can provide real-world insight, confidence, and connection that helps launch a meaningful career.
WIDE is a holistic two-year, career-preparation program that helps juniors and seniors transition into a career. The programs address barriers to success that exist for many WIDE scholars while helping them become the most industry-ready internship and entry-level job candidates available. Through these programs, WIDE scholars are among the most supported and best prepared candidates that companies in our industry can interview for internships and entry-level positions.”
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.
- 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.”
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.
ARF WIDE is a program of the ARF Charitable Foundation, 501(c)3 tax exempt charitable foundation. Contributions to ARF Charitable Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.