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NextGen Mentors
Your experience can help build someone's future.
Think about the people who helped you navigate your professional life. A useful conversation, honest feedback, or an introduction can make a lasting difference.
As a Disability:IN NextGen mentor, you can offer that support to an emerging professional. Share what you’ve learned and support their professional growth while developing your own leadership skills.
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Help Turn Ambition into Momentum
NextGen connects students, recent graduates, and veterans with disabilities to professional development, mentorship, and opportunities with leading companies.
Mentors are an important part of that experience. Through a six-month virtual mentoring relationship, you can help your NextGen Leader:
Recognize and communicate their strengths
Offer feedback that helps them explain the value of their skills and experience, whether gained through education, military service, work, or life.
Explore professional possibilities
Share insight into your industry, discuss different roles, and help them consider how their interests align with potential career paths.
Understand the workplace
Talk through the questions that don’t always get answered in a classroom, from building professional relationships to preparing for conversations with employers.
"The mentorship experience has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to share my personal and professional journey with my mentee. My mentee’s fresh perspective and enthusiasm has inspired me and reminded me of the importance of continuous learning and growth."
Linda Z.
NextGen Alum + Current NextGen Mentor
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Benefits for Mentors
Help Someone Grow. Keep Growing Yourself.
Mentorship creates opportunities to learn on both sides of the relationship.
Strengthen your coaching skills
Practice listening, offering constructive feedback, and supporting someone as they develop their own goals and approach.
Expand your professional network
Connect with fellow mentors from leading companies, exchange experiences, and build relationships beyond your own organization.
Give back through your experience
Share the lessons and guidance you wish you’d had earlier in your career. Your time and perspective can help an emerging professional build confidence and prepare for new opportunities.
Invest in your own development
Access virtual learning sessions and programming exclusively for NextGen mentors to support your mentoring experience and leadership skills.
Eligibility + time Commitment
What to Expect
Six months of virtual mentorship
Build a one-on-one relationship with a NextGen Leader over the course of the program.
Approximately three hours per month
Your estimated commitment covers mentoring conversations and program activities, including a monthly virtual learning session just for mentors.
Eligibility for Participation
Employees of Disability:IN corporate partner companies can participate at no additional program cost.
While NextGen Leaders span all interest areas and industries, business professionals in technology, finance, marketing, and business fields are highly encouraged to apply. Mentors will be selected based on their match to their NextGen Leaders.
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Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Considering becoming a mentor? Get the details on the time commitment, learning opportunities, and support available to help you make the most of the experience.
The NextGen Leaders Program is designed for emerging talent with disabilities who are preparing to enter or re-enter the workforce. Applicants must be current undergraduate, graduate, or law students, or recent graduates of an accredited college or university in North or South America.
Additionally, the NextGen Leaders program can help veterans explore civilian career paths, build connections beyond your military network, and communicate the value of military experience to potential employers.
The program is competitive, and participants are selected through an application process.
Employees of Disability:IN corporate partner companies are eligible to apply. Professionals across roles and industries bring valuable experience to the program. A willingness to listen, share practical guidance, and invest in someone’s growth is central to the mentoring relationship.
While NextGen Leaders span all interest areas and industries, business professionals in technology, finance, marketing, and business fields are highly encouraged to apply. Mentors will be selected based on their match to their NextGen Leaders.
Mentors act as advisors, sounding boards, and connectors. They discuss their NextGen Leader’s goals, offer feedback, and share insights from their own professional experience. Conversations might include exploring career paths, helping NextGen Leaders communicate their strengths, support them in navigating the workplace, or building a professional network.
No. Employees across functions can contribute as mentors. NextGen Leaders span all areas of interest and professional focus. Mentors in all roles, backgrounds, and levels can offer useful context to someone preparing for the workforce.
Mentors are encouraged to plan for approximately three hours per month over six months. That estimate includes mentoring conversations and program learning activities, including a monthly virtual learning session for mentors. Consistent participation and following through on agreed next steps help make that time valuable for both mentors and their NextGen Leader.
Participation is included in a company’s Disability:IN corporate partnership, giving eligible employees access to the mentoring experience and mentor programming at no additional program cost.
Contact NextGen@DisabilityIN.org for questions about the application process, accessibility, or accommodations. The program team can discuss your needs and available support for applying or participating.
Be Someone They Can Turn To
You don’t need to have an answer to every question. Your willingness to listen, share your experience, and offer thoughtful guidance can help an emerging professional make more informed decisions about their future.
Not a Corporate Partner but want to learn how you can get involved? Contact us to start the conversation.
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