Apply | Empowered Education

Bridge Mentoring Program — Student Application

A semester-long mentoring experience pairing high school seniors with college student mentors and career professionals. You will build your professional network, complete a job shadow, and develop skills that most students don't learn until college.

One semester Chicago region (hybrid) Free Grades 11–12

Personal information

First name *

Last name *

Email address *

Phone number *

Date of birth *

Current grade *

High school name *

City / neighborhood *

Parent / guardian information

Parent / guardian full name *

Relationship to you *

Parent / guardian email *

Parent / guardian phone *

Career interests & goals

What careers or fields are you curious about? *

What do you hope to get out of this program? *

Tell us about yourself *

Availability & commitment

I understand and agree to the following commitments *

I will attend the program orientation session at the start of the semester I will meet with my mentor at least once per month using the program's structured guides I will complete at least one job shadow experience during the program I will complete my professional profile (LinkedIn, resume, email) by the end of the semester I understand that attendance and engagement are required — this is not a program where I can show up occasionally

What days and times are you generally available? *

Final questions

How did you hear about Empowered Education? *

Is there anything else you want us to know?

Privacy note: Your information is collected solely for program application purposes and stored securely in our internal database. We do not sell or share your data with third parties. Parents and guardians of accepted students will receive a separate consent form before the program begins.

We review all applications within 7 business days and respond by email.

Application received!

Thank you for applying to the Bridge Mentoring Program. We will review your application and respond to within 7 business days. Check your spam folder if you don't hear from us.

Bridge Mentoring Program — College Mentor Application

Mentor a high school junior or senior through a structured semester-long program. You'll meet monthly, guide them through professional development milestones, and help them navigate the college-to-career transition you recently made yourself.

One semester ~2–4 hrs/month Volunteer (unpaid) Resume-worthy

Personal information

First name *

Last name *

Email address *

Phone number *

College / university *

Year in school *

Major / field of study *

GPA (optional)

Mentoring experience & interests

What career fields can you speak to from personal experience? *

Why do you want to be a mentor? *

Any prior mentoring, tutoring, or youth experience?

Availability & commitment

I understand and agree to the following *

I will attend mentor orientation and training before the program begins I will meet with my mentee at least once per month using the program's conversation guides I will help facilitate at least one job shadow connection for my mentee I will complete brief monthly check-ins with the Empowered Education program coordinator I understand this is a commitment — I will not abandon my mentee mid-semester

What days and times are you generally available? *

How did you hear about Empowered Education? *

Note: Selected mentors will be required to complete a background check acknowledgment form before being matched with a student. All mentor information is kept confidential within the program.

We respond within 7 business days.

Mentor application received!

Thank you for stepping up to mentor. We will be in touch within 7 business days about next steps, including orientation scheduling and mentor matching.

The Capital Workshop — College Student Application

A two-day intensive that trains college students to facilitate social capital conversations with high school seniors. You'll leave as a certified near-peer educator with a full curriculum packet, practicum experience, and a documented community impact on your resume.

2 days (Fri–Sat) Cohorts up to 20 Free Certification included

Personal information

First name *

Last name *

Email address *

Phone number *

College / university *

Year in school *

Major / field of study *

Your interest in the workshop

Why do you want to be a near-peer educator? *

What community or high school would you like to serve? *

Any prior public speaking, facilitation, or teaching experience?

Availability

Which cohort are you applying for? *

I understand and agree to the following *

I will attend both days of the two-day intensive (Friday and Saturday) in full I will complete at least one practicum session — facilitating a workshop at a partner high school I understand that certification is contingent on completing both the training and the practicum

How did you hear about Empowered Education? *

We respond within 7 business days.

Workshop application received!

Thank you for applying to The Capital Workshop. We will confirm your cohort placement within 7 business days and send you dates, location, and preparation materials.

Career Professional — Job Shadow Volunteer

Offer a two-hour job shadow experience to a Bridge Mentoring student. Virtual or in-person, in your field, on your schedule. A single conversation with the right professional can permanently shift a student's sense of what's possible for them.

~2 hours of your time Virtual or in-person Volunteer Flexible scheduling

Your information

First name *

Last name *

Email address *

Phone number

Job title *

Employer / organization *

Industry / field *

Years in your field *

Your job shadow offering

What would a student experience during a job shadow with you? *

Format preference *

General availability for scheduling *

How many students can you accommodate per semester?

How did you hear about Empowered Education? *

Thank you. Career professionals are the backbone of the Bridge program. Once matched, we will connect you directly with the student's mentor to coordinate scheduling. The entire experience typically takes 2–3 hours of your time including brief coordination.

We respond within 5 business days.

Thank you for volunteering!

Your job shadow offer has been received. We will add you to our professional volunteer network and contact you when a student match is identified — usually within one semester cycle.

Apply to our programs

Bridge Mentoring Program — Student Application

Application received!

Bridge Mentoring Program — College Mentor Application

Mentor application received!

The Capital Workshop — College Student Application

Workshop application received!

Career Professional — Job Shadow Volunteer

Thank you for volunteering!