BE A MENTOR
What does it mean to be a LINK Mentor?
LINK Mentors commit to supporting our Scholars to, through, and beyond college by becoming an integral part of the four-year fellowship. Our Mentors participate in LINK-organized tranings and events. They introduce their Scholar to their networks and regularly communicate and meet up with their them throughout the year. Mentors also make a personal financial investment in LINK each year to make our programming possible.
Reach out to learn more and start your Mentor journey.
Complete the interest form by clicking the button below
LINK Mentoring Department: mentoring@
Mentorship FAQs
Because we are a college and career success organization that focuses on rigorous academic preparation, we look for Mentors who have the personal life experience to be guides to our Scholars. Mentors support their Scholars to perform well in and out of the classroom, explore career options, and prepare for a successful transition to a selective four-year college. We ask that all Mentors have a college degree and at least one-year of professional experience.
The heart of a great Mentor is one willing to build a relationship with a high school student as he or she journeys through the LINK fellowship.
If this sounds like you, the next step is completing our application process which includes submitting personal references and consent to a background check.
Yes! We have co-mentor pairs who are partners, colleagues, siblings, and friends.
We match Mentors and Scholars with like interests based on their application responses. We factor in home and school/work locations. Finally, our staff also takes the time to get to know both incoming Scholars and Mentors to make an even better match.
You attend a Mentor Match event where you will meet with your scholar and their family. This is a structured event hosted by LINK Unlimited.
Yes! We provide multiple Mentoring trainings throughout the year, including dedicated new Mentor trainings. These trainings cover Mentor expectations, cultural competency training, an overview of our program goals and rules, best practices in youth mentoring, relationship development, a review of available resources, and more. In addition, we have dedicated staff to support you in your Mentoring relationship.
Yes! We have a number of resources and suggested activities. Mentors are expected to nurture the relationship with their Scholar. Mentors and Scholars are expected to connect twice a month via phone, email, text, or video call and meet in-person at least once a quarter. Additionally, LINK hosts social and service events throughout the year for Mentors and Scholars. Other ideas for relationship-building activities include:
- Meeting for a meal at a restaurant or cooking a meal together
- Attending the Scholar’s school event (concert, athletic event, etc.)
- Participating in various leisure activities (biking, bowling, shooting hoops, etc.)
- Attending a play, concert, or sporting event
- Spending time at your workplace, discussing your career path and meeting your colleagues
- Visiting a museum or a college campus
Mentors make a personal investment in their Scholar’s future with an annual financial investment.
Together we impact the life trajectory of our Scholars.
LINK Unlimited Scholars, 2221 South State Street, Chicago, IL 60616-3894 • 312-225-5465 • [email protected]