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Overview

Mentors

Launched in 2020, the SummerWorks mentorship program connects young adults with a mentor to help them explore career opportunities, build their professional networks, and develop essential job and leadership skills. SummerWorks mentors represent a wide range of career trajectories, educational backgrounds, identities, and experiences.​

2026 Mentor Applications open Jan. 15!

If you have any questions about becoming a mentor, please email mail@summerworks.info

Want to learn more? Attend an Info Session! 

Register for an upcoming information session where you can learn more about our 2026 programming:

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​2026 Info Sessions:
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  • VIRTUAL EVENING: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 @ 5PM
  • VIRTUAL MORNING: Friday, February 13, 2026 @ 9AM
  • VIRTUAL LUNCH: Thursday, February 19, 2026 @ 12PM
  • HYBRID BREAKFAST: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 @ 9 AM (on UM Campus)
  • VIRTUAL LUNCH: Thursday, March 5, 2026 @ 12PM
  • VIRTUAL EVENING: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 @ 5PM
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Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email that will contain session details and a Zoom link prior to the info session you choose.
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Be a Mentor

  • Promote opportunities for young professionals to expand their networks, explore career opportunities, and develop their leadership skills

  • Be a trusted confidant who can help your mentee consider how  opportunities align with their career path and long-term goals

  • Mentoring a young person is a great reminder of your own expertise and experiences. You can develop key leadership competencies and reflect on your own role within an organization

Key Dates 2026

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  • Application Opens | January 15

  • Application Due Date | April 15

  • Background Check Materials due | May 8

  • Mentor Orientation | May 13 or May 15

  • Mentorship Kickoff | June 9 or June 10

  • Mentorship Period Begins | Week of June 15

  • Program Ends | August 21

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Optional Dates:

  • Mentor and Employer PD Sessions |April 23 or June 1

  • Mentorship Networking Lunch | June 12

  • Mentor and Employer Roundtable Discussions| June 24 or July 16

  • Check In with Program Staff | Week of July 6

  • SummerWorks Service Day | July 17

  • End of Summer Celebration | August 20

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“As a participant of SummerWorks, you have an army of amazing success coaches by your side, guiding you step by step”

- Anastasia Frederick, 2021 SummerWorks Participant

Benefits of Mentorship

Mentees have the opportunity to: 

  • Receive guidance during a transitional time

  • Explore career paths

  • Identify career aspirations

  • Network with experienced professionals

  • Make an action plan to reach long-term goals

  • Participate in professional development

Mentorship Program Logistics

Who can be a mentor?

  • Anyone interested in providing guidance and support to a young adult (aged 16-24) is welcome to mentor!

  • Mentors can be located anywhere and meet with their mentee via teleconferencing.
     

How are mentors matched?

  • Each SummerWorks participant is matched with a mentor based on professional / personal interests and individual goals, including career field and trajectory, educational background, passions and personal interests, and when appropriate, social identities.

What is the time commitment?

  • Mentors will hold one ~30-60 minute meeting per week for the duration of the summer program.
     

What topics do mentors help with?​

  • General topics include career prep, professional development and navigating the workplace, college prep, and goal setting.

  • Mentors can expect mentees to come prepared to meetings with topics they would like to cover, questions their mentor can assist with, or concerns they would like to discuss.

“Program staff matched us with a mentor based on our interests. I was matched with a mentor who does graphic design and artwork for companies.”

Chinedum Wejinya, 2021 SummerWorks Participant

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Policy for Working with Minors

All mentors matched with a minor (individual under the age of 18) will need to be in compliance with the University of Michigan Children on Campus policy. In order to be eligible to participate, mentors must:

  • Complete four training modules annually (~30-minute time commitment)

  • Undergo a mandatory background check (expires after two years) 

Mentor Support and Resources

  • ​All mentors and mentees may choose to complete a Mentorship Contract to set goals and expectations for the summer.

  • Mentorship Curriculum helps guide mentorship relationships and meetings. Visit the Mentorship Curriculum webpage here.

Please note that currently, this is a volunteer opportunity and is unpaid.

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