By Geralyn Magan
LeadingAge is looking for mentors to help us develop the next generation of leaders in the field of aging services.
LeadingAge is seeking leaders in the field of long-term services and supports (LTSS) to serve as mentors to student interns participating in its 10-week Summer Enrichment Program, an initiative designed to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the LTSS sector.
A diverse group of 29 students, enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs across the country, will work as interns in 24 LeadingAge member organizations beginning in June. Interns are pursuing studies in a variety of nonclinical areas, including marketing, human resources, technology, and business.
ROLE OF THE MENTOR
Onsite preceptors at participating LeadingAge member communities will supervise the students as they work on meaningful projects for their host organizations. In addition, each intern will be paired with a mentor who works outside the host organization. The intern and mentor will connect virtually for an hour each week from June through August 2021, and will have monthly check-in calls from September 2021 to May 2022.
Each mentor will support an intern by:
- Providing information about careers opportunities in aging services.
- Giving advice and direction about the intern’s career path.
- Offering the intern access to a professional network.
- Recommending tools and resources to help the intern grow toward their potential.
“This will be an incredible opportunity to mentor a future leader and to share your passion for the field of aging,” says Christy Kramer, vice president of student engagement and workforce partnerships at LeadingAge. “The Summer Enrichment Program will shape future leaders and help develop a diverse workforce bound for leadership roles. Becoming a mentor is a great way to give back to the field and to recruit our next generation of leaders.”
QUALIFICATIONS
Ideally, a Student Enrichment Program mentor will be a mid-level or C-Suite leader who has worked in aging services for five or more years.
Mentors will attend a virtual orientation and two virtual training sessions before the Summer Enrichment Program begins. Those sessions will explore issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion and will offer practical tips for being an effective mentor and serving as an ambassador for the field of aging services.
VOLUNTEER
If you are willing to become a Summer Enrichment Program mentor, contact Christy Kramer.