April 23, 2012

Professional Mentors Needed

By: AF Editors

As the summer approaches, The Fund for American Studies is preparing for over 450 students to attend five academic internship programs in Washington, D.C.

They are looking for volunteers to serve as a mentor to one of these students. By signing up today, you will be able to help a student make the most of his or her Washington experience. TFAS will hand match you with a student based on career interests and background. TFAS is looking for mentors in all fields, but have an increased demand for journalists, attorneys and professionals in the international relations field.

HOW TO SIGN UP

To sign up, fill out the D.C. Mentor Survey. Your answers will help TFAS successfully match you with a student. The deadline to complete the survey is Friday, April 27th.

**Please note: Even if you have completed this survey before or expressed interest by email, TFAS needs you to complete it again to sign up for the Summer 2012 Mentor Program. This will ensure that they have accurate information needed to match you with a student as some questions have changed.

MENTOR PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Mentor volunteers should possess a strong interest in helping a college student succeed by offering career advice, information on working in Washington, and general advice on life in D.C. Mentor requirements include:

· Commitment to serve eight weeks of program (June 10 – August 4)
· Willingness to meet face-to-face with the student at least once in June and once in July
· Ability to send introductory email in early June before your student arrives and keep in touch by email throughout the program
· Must live or work in the D.C. metro area
· Must be a working professional
· Must possess two or more years of full-time work experience OR be an alumnus of a TFAS institute

ABOUT THE PROGRAM & STUDENTS

The D.C. Mentor Program is designed to help provide a well-rounded “Washington experience” for the students participating in TFAS summer programs. Students are matched with area professionals who can offer career guidance, review their resume, share insider tips and offer general advice.

Students undergo a rigorous application process before being accepted into one of our programs. They’re serious about their internships and they want to get the most out of their experience. Most are upperclassmen and have an average GPA of 3.5. Our students are diverse, hailing from small private colleges to large state universities.

Students attend one of six summer programs that combine coursework with nearly full-time internships. Program areas include:

· Political Science/Public Policy
· International Affairs
· Lobbying/Business
· Journalism and Communications
· Nonprofit Sector
· Legal

SCHEDULE

April 27 – Mentor Sign Up Deadline
May 4, 8, and 11 – Mentor Orientation Conference Calls (One required for new mentors – sign up in the online survey)
Week of May 21 – Mentor-Student Matching notifications sent by e-mail
June 10 – Students Arrive in Washington
Week of June 18 – “Meet Your Mentor” Breakfasts (Sign up will be sent at later date)
June 23 – Saturday afternoon BBQ at Georgetown (optional)
July 20 – Washington Nationals baseball game (optional)
August 3 – Graduation at Georgetown University (optional)
CONTACT

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Lauren Goldberg at [email protected] or 202-986-0384.