Diaspora Mentorship Program
A nationwide six-month mentorship experience helping young immigrants and members of the African diaspora build confidence, meaningful relationships, professional skills, and a stronger sense of belonging in the United States.
The Future Leaders Alliance Young Immigrant and African Diaspora Mentorship Program connects young adults with experienced mentors who can support their educational, professional, entrepreneurial, civic, and personal development. Through one-on-one mentoring, interactive workshops, peer networking, and practical goal setting, participants receive the guidance and connections they need to overcome barriers and pursue their goals.
The program serves participants across the United States through a virtual-first model, allowing mentors and mentees to participate regardless of their location.
Program At a Glance
• Duration: Six months
• Location: Available throughout the United States
• Format: Virtual-first, with selected in-person opportunities where available
• Mentee eligibility: Young adults ages 18–30
• Mentor commitment: Approximately 2–4 hours per month
• Mentor meetings: At least one structured meeting each month
• Workshops: Monthly professional and personal development sessions
• Cost for mentees: $50 application and processing fee
Our Purpose
The program exists to ensure that young immigrants and members of the African diaspora do not have to navigate education, employment, entrepreneurship, community life, or cultural adjustment alone.
We create trusted mentoring relationships that help participants:
• Establish clear personal, educational, and professional goals
• Build confidence and improve decision-making
• Develop career-readiness and workplace skills
• Expand professional and community networks
• Explore entrepreneurship and civic engagement
• Navigate cultural adjustment and unfamiliar systems
• Strengthen their sense of identity and belonging
• Become positive contributors within their communities
Who Can Apply as a Mentee?
The program is designed for young immigrants and members of the African diaspora who:
• Are generally between 18 and 30 years old
• Currently reside in the United States
• Are committed to personal, educational, or professional growth
• Can participate in a six-month mentorship relationship
• Are willing to attend orientation, monthly mentoring meetings, workshops, and program reviews
• Agree to follow the program’s Code of Conduct and confidentiality requirements
• Are prepared to communicate respectfully and consistently with their mentor
Applicants from different immigration backgrounds, educational levels, career stages, and communities are encouraged to apply.
How the Program Works
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1
Submit an Application
Prospective mentees and mentors complete the appropriate online application and provide
accurate information about their background, interests, goals, availability, and expectations. -
2
Screening and Approval
Mentee applicants complete the required review process. Mentor applicants complete identity verification, reference checks, safeguarding review, and a background check where required.
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3
Orientation
Approved participants attend a mandatory orientation covering:
Program expectations, Roles and responsibilities , Communication guidelines, Confidentiality , Professional boundaries, Safeguarding and reporting procedures, Goal-setting and progress tracking. -
4
Mentor–Mentee Matching
A match is not guaranteed simply because an applicant has been approved. Matching depends on compatibility and mentor availability.
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5
Development Planning
Once a match is confirmed, the mentor and mentee attend an introductory meeting and
establish a mentoring agreement. They work together to create a personalized development plan with clear goals, action steps, timelines, and measures of progress.
