Did you know National Mentoring Day is celebrated every year on Oct. 27? The key message is to raise awareness of the invaluable and rewarding contribution that mentoring makes which has a huge impact on not only our economy but also our society.

This is definitely our kind of day! And, there is no better day to kick off Year 3 of our own MentorHER Initiative to encourage more people to get involved in mentoring — because even a small amount of time can make a big difference. And we aim to make a big difference for the students we serve through MentorHER in Year 3!

As explained by our founder and CEO Christie Garton: “MentorHER provides access to mentors who actually hold the position or work in the industry in which the student also aspires to work. Thanks to this well-matched pairing, our mentors can provide specific career advice and guidance to students when they need it most.” 

According to The National Mentoring Partnership, those with mentors are 130% more likely to hold leadership positions. Also according to 1DF’s “State of the American Girl”™ research, 70% of young American women don’t have a mentor. It was with these figures in mind that 1DF created MentorHER, aiming to accelerate growth in women’s success in school and beyond.

In partnership with nonprofit and for-profit organizations, including title sponsor Colgate-Palmolive Company, MentorHER 2021 will pair individual women in college and graduate school as well as recent graduates with professionals and executives for a one-hour, 1:1 mentorship session. 1DF will celebrate the program’s return with the theme “Women In Leadership” while providing students with additional mentoring opportunities through year-round workshops and a soon-to-be released on-demand library of content on the 1,000 Dreams Fund website. 

All mentor sessions will be happening virtually, reaching young women no matter where they’re located — even globally!

For our corporate, small business, and nonprofit partners, MentorHER provides employees with an unmatched employee engagement opportunity that fits busy schedules and can serve as a pipeline opportunity to the talented women we serve. Independent professionals and entrepreneurs with an interest in helping the next generation of female leaders are also encouraged to participate, as well.

Also in celebration of National Mentoring Day, MentorHER partner Kendra Scott is committing 20% of proceeds from national in-store and online sales of Kendra Scott’s Everlyne Friendship Bracelet to 1,000 Dreams Fund’s Project: Girls on the Rise, which helps fund critical college visits and college-bound costs so young women with bright minds and bright futures can find their perfect school and thrive. Additionally, Kendra Scott’s “Gems,” a college campus ambassador program, will be supporting the fundraiser with Kendra Gives Back codes and in-person events surrounding October 27. We greatly appreciate their support!

So, what exactly does participation in MentorHER look like?

• 60-minute virtual session with a professional from 1,000 Dreams Fund’s network via Google Meet.
• Matches are made based on aligned career interests and backgrounds of both the mentee and mentor as shared in the MentorHER application forms (available HERE), ensuring a high-impact session.
• Given our goal of achieving well-paired matches, matches will be made on a rolling basis, kicking off in October 2021. If a match has been made, you will receive a message from the 1DF team to schedule your video session.
• While not required, at the end of each session participants will be encouraged to exchange contact info — if they so desire — to continue building the relationship.

Interested in being a MENTEE? 

Who is invited to apply: We are seeking college and graduate-level students or recent grads nationwide. International students studying in the U.S. — even those who are based in their home countries due to COVID-19 — are also invited to participate.

If that applies to you and you’d like to be connected with a professional in your desired industry at a company you might want to work at someday, apply HERE!

Interested in being a MENTOR?

Dear Professional: We want to hear from you! We know you are busy, but we are only asking for one hour of your time. Help us change a life by clicking HERE to APPLY or contact us for more information: programs@1000dreamsfund.org.

Read our latest MentorHER announcement here!