Future Link is a nonprofit that provides education and career supports to motivated young adults, age 18-25, who live in Montgomery County, MD. Many of our students are first generation college, some are transitioning out of foster care, others have encountered some type of trauma or disruption in their lives. All are lacking some type of support, whether it's financial or simply informed guidance about what steps they should next take. Our students' entry point is a 15-week seminar on self-advocacy and career development skills. The seminar's highlight is an informational interview each student conducts with a professional in their field of interest. Following the seminar, they are then carefully matched with a mentor who helps them stay focused on their education and career plan with the ultimate goal of self-sufficiency. The majority of our students attend or will attend Montgomery College with whom Future Link has a formal, collaborative partnership. In addition to the valuable mentoring, Future Link also provides scholarships, internships, and academic tutoring to our students.
Description
Future Link carefully screens and supports adult volunteers who work with Future Link students for a one year minimum, although often our mentors continue their mentorships beyond this requirement. Our mentors are caring professionals who serve as positive role models and help guide our young adults (ages 18-25) toward good educational and career decisions. Mentors work closely with their mentee to reinforce the key principles of our Self-Advocacy Skills and Career Development Seminar, including the importance of soft skills and the value of networking. Mentors help mentees stay focused on their pathway with respect to post-secondary education and career. Future Link hosts an annual picnic and frequent Happy Hours in order to bring mentors and mentees together as the synergy always generates additional opportunities for our students. Mentors are invited to an annual dinner and discussion to not only thank them for their service but also to provide an opportunity to share best practices among each other. We provide training and fully support our mentors throughout their mentorship. Our mentor application requests three references and can be found here: https://secure.jotform.us/FutureLink/Mentor_App
