Join our 2025-26 Year 1 (10th Grade) Career Mentor Team!
We empower local high school students to achieve the life they dream of and become positive influences at home, in their communities, and at work. We do this through our Workforce Prep program, which pairs students with volunteer career mentors from the local business community.
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Year 1 (10th grade) career mentors join students for two or three one-hour sessions each month from November through May. Sessions happen during the school day at participating schools, with staff, teachers, students, and other mentors all involved. Our students generally have a C average and all are in good standing.
Each session starts with a short, 10-15-minute lesson led by a staff member and followed by a fun, hands-on activity where mentors work directly with students to reinforce what they’ve learned. Topics include career exploration, building life and job skills, setting goals, and making strategic plans for the future.
We provide training for all career mentors before the program starts and support before, during, and after every session. Our goal for career mentors is to succeed!
Career Mentors Help Students
- Develop life skills
- Learn job readiness strategies
- Explore different careers
- Set academic and career goals
We Support Career Mentors Through:
- Two training seminars (Oct., Jan.)
- Weekly coaching emails with information about upcoming session and activity
- Staff support at every session
- 24/7 access to staf
- Structured and evidence-based curriculum and activities
As a Career Mentor, You Will:
- Attend two online training seminars (Oct, Jan)
- Get matched with two to four high school students based on your school preference
- Attend two or three one-hour sessions each month on a set day and time at the chosen school (Nov.-May)
- Participate with your students in each session: Listen with your students to a staff-led 10 to 15-minute lesson on a specific topic; participate in a fun, predetermined activity that reinforces the lesson; help students complete a Winning Futures workbook page
Impacting Students at:
- Cass Technical High School (Detroit)
- Communication & Media Arts High School (Detroit)
- Community High School (Sterling Heights)
- Harper Woods High School (Harper Woods)
- Hazel Park High School (Hazel Park)
- Warren Mott High School (Warren)
Application Process
- Complete an online application for the 2025-26 school year.
- You will be contacted in the spring of 2025 for a virtual interview and background check.
- Must be at least 24 years old.
Company Presentation
Invite us to pitch career mentoring opportunities to your employees or members. Contact Tiffany DiFonzo at Tiffany@WinningFutures.org or 586-413-7215. Click here for more information.
- All we need is a day, time, and location, and a little help inviting your employees. We’ll do everything else – it’s that easy!
- 30-minute in-person or virtual presentation
- It can be part of a staff or other meeting
- We provide digital and print flyers and language for invitation
Learn more by contacting Shirley Russell at ShirleyRussell@WinningFutures.org or 586-945-8092.