Mentor Program
Our mentor program connects public health students to public health professionals to help with career and professional development. Mentoring relationships can benefit both mentors and mentees. For mentees, the program can have a key impact on future career choices. For mentors, helping the next generation of public health leaders can be rewarding and impactful.
The School of Public Health boasts the largest mentor program of any school of public health, serving approximately 400 students and mentors with special events and helpful resources for mentor pairs.
We work to provide students with diverse professional experiences and recognize the role that mentors have in training future public health leaders. These relationships have proven to be enriching and longstanding.
In 2014, Minnesota Business Magazine awarded the School of Public Health Mentor Program with its Leaders in Health Care Honor for Education and Workforce Development, and in 2017, the University of Minnesota awarded the program with its Program Extraordinaire- Society award.
Students
Apply Now (opens in new window)
Application deadline: September 12, 2024
Mentors
- The Mentor Program accepts all interested SPH alumni and public health professionals.
- The Mentor Program runs from October-April of the academic year.
Apply Now (opens in new window)
Application deadline: September 12, 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a mentor/student?
All new mentors and students will need to apply for the SPH Mentoring Program using the official application (opens in new tab/window). Applications for new participants open August 1, 2022 and will close on September 16th, 2022. Due to program demand, the program is open only to participants who sign up by the deadline.
What is the time commitment?
The time commitment is determined by the mentor and student during initial meetings. Most mentor pairs choose to communicate approximately 1-3 hours per month, using the communications tools that work best for them or by meeting in person. The program officially runs from October through April.
What is expected of mentor pairs?
Mentors and students who apply should be committed to engaging with their match and developing a professional mentor/mentee relationship. This includes communicating on a monthly basis.
The mentor program is NOT a job placement program for students. There are no expectations that a job or internship will develop out of this experience.
Can I participate as a mentor or mentee if I don't live locally?
Yes. Many of our mentees and mentors do not live locally in the Twin Cities. Mentors who live outside of the state of Minnesota, or even outside of the United States, are encouraged to apply.
How does the program support me?
The program supports participants by matching participants up appropriately, communicating pair opportunities through a monthly e-newsletter and news updates on this page, and one-on-one guidance. Informal mentoring opportunities at SPH include networking events, career panels, symposiums and lectures, and informational interviews.
Mentoring Committee
The Mentoring Committee was created to support the School’s annual Mentor Program in terms of providing assistance with the recruitment of mentors and the matching process, as well as providing additional content and support for the Program’s participants. Volunteers on this committee also work on programming that connects alumni and students, especially virtual opportunities. Contact the mentor program at phmentor@umn.edu if you are interested in participating.
Contact Information
School of Public Health Mentor Program
612-625-2443
phmentor@umn.edu
