BE A MENTOR
What does it mean to be a LINK Mentor?
Our Mentors are true partners in our mission. Their significant investment in the life of a Scholar provides academic support, leadership development, career exposure, and college access.
Take the first step in the LINK 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 prefer that prospective Mentors hold a bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university and have established themselves in a career for a minimum of three years after graduation.
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! After you both complete the application process we will match you to a Scholar and help you work together to co-mentor your Scholar.
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 will attend a training event for Mentors and then receive instructions on how to meet your Scholar.
Yes. We provide pre-match training covering Mentor expectations, cultural competency training, an overview of our program goals and rules, best practices in youth mentoring, relationship development, and a review of available resources.
After meeting your Scholar, we provide an annual two-hour Class Session with your Scholar and family. The session covers the Scholar’s academic year and personal development and always includes an opportunity to celebrate successes and improve the relationship.
Mentors are encouraged to nurture the relationship with their Scholar. We recommend reaching out twice a month via phone, email, text, or video call and arranging at least four in-person engagements a year. 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 also show their Scholar support by attending three key LINK events between September and June each year (a Class Session, a College Fair, and an End of Year Celebration).
Mentors make a personal investment in their Scholar’s future with an annual financial investment.
All connections are currently virtual via phone, text, and video calls. Once restrictions are lifted, Mentors are welcome to schedule in-person activities again.
Together we can change the life trajectory of our Scholars.
LINK Unlimited Scholars, 2221 South State Street, Chicago, IL 60616-3894 • 312-225-5465 • info@linkunlimited.org