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Mentorship
Building relationships. Creating opportunities. Growing together.
We connect young people ages 14-25 with supportive adults, personalized coaching, professional opportunities, and a wider community where they can grow.
Our mentorship model combines one-on-one coaching, meaningful relationships, targeted professional connections, and shared experiences. We meet you where you are, help you identify where you want to go, and work alongside you to turn your goals into reality.
How We Support You
One-On-One Coaching
You'll meet regularly with a Coach who will work with you to figure out what matters to you and how to move toward it.
Together, you can:
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Figure out your strengths, interests, and goals.
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Explore jobs, education, creative projects, and other opportunities.
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Break big goals into manageable next steps.
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Work through challenges and make decisions with more confidence.
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Build a plan that fits your life and where you want to go.
You don't need to have everything figured out before joining. That's what we're here for.
A Community Mentor
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Someone in your corner.
You'll also be matched with a Community Mentor: a trusted adult who can get to know you, share their experiences, and help you explore new possibilities.
You might grab a coffee, check out a new part of Somerville, try an activity together, talk through something on your mind, or celebrate a win.
Your mentor is there to listen, share perspective, encourage you, and help you discover what's possible.
Connections That Open Doors
Meet people who can help you get where you want to go.
Sometimes, the next step is meeting someone who has been there before or knows how to get you where you want to be.
You can connect with people who have relevant experience, skills, and community connections. Depending on your interests, that could mean:
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Meeting a professional who works in a field you're curious about.
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Connecting with an artist, filmmaker, or creative who can help you develop your work.
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Exploring job opportunities, freelance projects, or paid work.
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Getting advice from someone who has navigated a challenge similar to yours.
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Meeting potential collaborators, advisors, or people who can help you take your next step.
We'll work with you to identify the connections that make sense for your goals.
Community, Retreats & Fun
Mentorship is about more than work and goals.
You deserve opportunities to have fun, try new things, and spend time with people who make you feel welcome.
We bring participants, mentors, coaches, and other community members together for:
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Two free weekend retreats each year.
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Community activities like bowling and local outings.
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Seasonal gatherings where you can meet people and build friendships.
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Restaurant and café gift cards and other opportunities to enjoy something new.
Build Your Next Opportunity
If you're interested in developing your career, finding work, or growing a creative or professional project, SMP can help you turn your ideas into action.
Over six months, you can work with your coach to develop practical skills, strengthen your professional presence, and pursue opportunities that fit your interests.
Depending on your goals, support may include:
One-on-one coaching: 12 sessions focused on your goals, opportunities, and next steps.
Resume and online presence: Three workshops to help you improve your resume, LinkedIn profile, website, portfolio, or other professional materials.
Job and income opportunities: Support with applying for jobs, pursuing grant-funded projects, or finding freelance contracts and commissions.
Professional connections: Introductions to at least five relevant people who may be able to offer advice, mentorship, or opportunities.
A plan for the year ahead: An individualized 12-month roadmap to help you keep building on your progress.
Ongoing support: Check-ins and accountability to help you follow through between sessions.
You don't need to know exactly what you want to do. We'll work together to figure out what makes sense for you.
What Does Participating Look Like?
Cohorts run for approximately six months, with a weekend-long retreat during each cohort.
Here's what you can generally expect:
Twice a month:
Meet with your Coach to work on your goals and next steps.
As opportunities come up:
Connect with advisors, professionals, and other people who can support your interests.
At least once a month:
Spend time with your Community Mentor.
Throughout the program:
Take part in community activities, gatherings, and shared experiences.
Who Can Apply?
Young people ages 14-25 who want support exploring their interests, building relationships, and working toward their goals.
You might be:
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Exploring what you want to do after high school.
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Looking for a job or trying to figure out your career path.
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Interested in college, training, or other educational opportunities.
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Developing an artistic, entrepreneurial, or creative project.
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Hoping to meet people who share your interests or can help you grow.
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Looking for more support, confidence, connection, or direction.
You don't need to have a perfect plan, an impressive resume, or a specific career goal to participate. You just need to be open to building relationships, exploring possibilities, and working toward what matters to you.
Ready to Explore What's Next?
You don't have to know exactly where you're going to take the first step.
If you're interested in meeting new people, exploring opportunities, developing your skills, or finding support as you figure things out, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply to the Mentorship Program and start building your next chapter with a community in your corner.