Mentor a Student

TFAS is seeking working professionals in the Washington, D.C. area to volunteer as mentors to college students attending our programs this summer. Mentors are matched with students based on several common factors including professional field, hometown, alma mater and political ideology. 

Register to be a Mentor

We’d love to have you be part of our pool of mentors!

Mentor Registration Deadline: April 24

Next Steps
Based on your answers, we will match you with a student and connect you with them in May.

Mentor Eligibility
We ask that all mentors be working professionals in the D.C. metro area and possess two or more years of full-time professional experience OR be a TFAS alumnus.

Register Now

Mentor Program Requirements

Special assistant to the Secretary of State, Victoria Ellington, was a D.C. Summer Program mentor.

To help you and your mentee get the most out of the program, we’ve developed the following program requirements:

  • Commitment to mentor during the eight-week summer program (June 1 – July 26).
  • In addition to the Mentor Breakfast, meet with your student virtually or in person twice over the summer. Suggested mentoring topics will be provided.
  • Send an introductory email to your mentee before the program, and stay in touch throughout the summer.

April 24: Registration Deadline

May: Mentor/Student matching notifications sent via email

June 1: Students arrive in Washington, D.C.

Mid-June: Meet Your Mentor Breakfast: June 11, 12 or 13

June/July: Meet with your mentee at least twice during the summer

About the Program + TFAS Students

The TFAS Mentor Program is designed to help provide TFAS students with a well-rounded Washington experience. Students will be hand-matched with area professionals who can offer career guidance; review their resumes, share insider tips and offer general advice. Many of our students want to make connections in the Washington, D.C. area to expand their network.

Students undergo a rigorous application process before being accepted into our Academic Internship Program. Most are upperclassmen and have an average GPA of 3.5. Our students are from campuses across the United States and abroad, ranging from small private colleges to large state universities.

Edgar Velasco ’18 chatting with his mentee at the “Meet Your Mentor” Breakfast.

Students attend our Academic Internship Program which combines online coursework and professional development seminars with internships. Internship areas include:

  • Public Policy
  • International Affairs
  • Lobbying, Business and Government Relations
  • Journalism and Communications
  • Nonprofit
  • Legal

Why Mentor?

Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, you probably remember your college days and the difficult decisions you faced at this critical crossroads of life. No matter the preparation, the transition from college campus to the working world was most likely a stressful one. Now you can positively influence a student and gain personal satisfaction. Mentoring brings these benefits:

Andrew Powaleny ’08 meets with his mentee at the “Meet Your Mentor” Breakfast.
  • Increase your understanding of your own personal and professional goals.
  • Gain personal satisfaction as you help a future leader.
  • Develop new skills, such as counseling and strategic thinking.
  • Receive invitations to future TFAS networking and volunteer appreciation events throughout the year.