Mentor Program

Preparing for a career in public health extends well beyond the classroom. A vital part of that preparation can be learning from the experiences of others.

That's the idea behind our Public Health Mentor Program, which we co-sponsor with the Minnesota Public Health Association. Since 1993, we've been matching students with alumni and other professionals who share their interests.

Students get to learn from the professional experiences of their mentors. Mentors get to play a role in training future public health leaders. These matches often prove to be enriching relationships for students and professionals alike.

Apply Online

Mentors may apply online until early October 2011 (for the 2011 - 2012 program).

Students may apply online until Sept. 18, 2011 (for the 2011 - 2012 program).

Volunteers Needed!

Mentors and students are needed to help with event planning, mentor recruitment, and other activities. For more details or to volunteer, please call Nichole Axtman at 612-626-9303.

Mentor Connection Events

Save the date for the SPH Mentor Program kick-off event where mentors and students will have the opportunity to meet, receive tips and advice for building a mentor relationship, work on goal setting, and enjoy breakfast together.

Learn more about our mentors

Whatever your career goals and aspirations are, there's a mentor for you! Whether you need help exploring the many rewarding career paths in public health or you're aiming specifically to work in a particular sector (e.g. – non-profit, government, hospital administration) and want to jump-start your network, you'll be matched with a motivated mentor ready to help make your goals a reality.

Our mentors' expertise is as diverse as our students' interests. Take a look at the profiles of our SPH Alumni Society Board of Directors. It will give you a snapshot of the kinds of alumni and friends who mentor SPH students.

What our students say about the Mentor Program

Below are a few comments about our mentor program from students

"My mentor has been fantastic, and really has made my experience at SPH what it has been."

"I loved the mentoring program! My mentor was a great match for me and I gained a lot from the experience!"

"My mentor is great with everything. The part that I really appreciate about our relationship is that he has real-world work experience."