Volunteer to mentor lower-income, under-represented college students accepted into the ARF’s WIDE program.
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.
We match WIDE scholars with both a Young Pro coach and a seasoned executive mentor. This dual approach offers scholars a younger coach who recently underwent the transition they’re navigating, capable of guiding them through day-to-day intricacies. Meanwhile, executive the mentor aids in understanding employer expectations and fostering a long-term perspective. Together, WIDE scholars acquire direction, perspective, connections, a sense of belonging, and the confidence to thrive.
- Coaches should have 8 years or less of industry experience, be an ARF Young Pro (at no cost) and commit to monthly hour-long meetings.
- Mentors should have 9 or more years of experience, and able to meet for at least an hour every other month.
- Scholars remain active in the WIDE program for a 2-year period, matching the duration of your commitment, although relationships may naturally extend beyond graduation.
Each new cohort is finalized in June. We meticulously review both your and the scholar’s background to ensure the best possible matches, considering factors such as geography and field of interest. You will be notified of your mentee in August, with introductions arranged 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.