Special Events

Mentor Program

Mentors help guide students throughout their Institute experience and attend TFAS organized events, such as Nationals baseball games.

The Mentor Program is an informal part of the Institute designed to give students a personal contact before and throughout the summer. Mentors are prepared to offer general information on what it’s like to live and work in our nation’s capital as well as career advice. Mentors are working professionals who live or work in the D.C. area and possess two or more years of full-time work experience or are an alumnus of a TFAS institute.

PROGRAM COMMITMENT
We ask that students who sign up for the program, commit to the following:

• Responding to their mentor’s introductory email
• Being responsive to their emails during the summer
• Attending the “Meet Your Mentor” Breakfast
• Scheduling at least 2 additional face-to-face meetings with your mentor, one in June and one in July.

MENTOR INTERACTION
Mentors will contact students by email before their arrival in Washington to help answer any questions about living in the city. 

In addition, during the program, students will have the opportunity to interact with mentors during:

• “Meet Your Mentor” Breakfast hosted by TFAS during the second week of the program.
• Two in person meetings in addition to checking in by email. The face-to-face meetings could include meeting for coffee, lunch or a tour of their office.
• Optional events organized by TFAS, including Nationals baseball game and BBQ.
  
  Possible topics to discuss with Mentors:

• Life in Washington, DC
• Goals for the summer
• Institute classes
• Internship duties
• Graduate school vs. work after college
• Career path
• Job searching, resume and interview tips
  
  

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  “It was great to have another person in D.C. to talk with, especially someone who is involved in the nonprofit sector.”
  Andrea Moline, Saint Louis University
  Mentor: Pamela Bender, Director of Nonprofit Sector Programs and Practice for Independent Sector

  “My mentor took me to her office and has been my biggest advocate and cheerleader this summer! I love her!”
  Erin DeRoo, University of Michigan
  Mentor: Natalie Rule, Managing Director of Individual Giving for Teach for America