Becoming a Mentor

Screening & Training

Join over 1000 NYC working professionals changing the lives of high school students in New York City. There are six steps to becoming a mentor outlined below.

Eligibility  |  Online Application  |  Screening |  Training  | Matching  |  Program Preference

Step 1: Eligibility

In order to be eligible to volunteer with iMentor, you must:

- Be at least 21 years of age

- Live / work in New York City area

- Have reliable and consistent access to the internet

- Be able to attend iMentor events (6-8 PM on weekdays / 1-3 PM weekends)

For questions about your eligibility, contact us.

Step 2: The Application

All volunteers must complete iMentor's online application. We use this information to:

- Make the best possible match between you and your mentee.

- Learn about mentor's program preferences.

- Conduct necessary screening, including a criminal background check and reference checks.

Your application is submitted over a secure line, iMentor does not share volunteer's personal information. See iMentor's Privacy Policy.

Note: The application is detailed and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. If you are unable to finish in one sitting, you can save your entries and return to it later.

Step 3: Screening

Once you have completed application, iMentor begins the screening process. Because a mentor holds a position of trust and responsibility, we must:

- Conduct a criminal background check

- Interview personal and professional references

- Mentor phone interview

Step 4: Training

All mentors must attend a two-hour in-person training before being matched.

Training sessions are designed to help prepare volunteer applicants for the iMentor experience. Sessions are on Tuesday through Thursdays between 6:30 and 8:30pm.

For a list of training dates and to RSVP for a training, you must first fill out an online application.  After you fill out an application, go to the iMentor calendar.

Step 5: Matching

After finishing the screening process, each volunteer is matched with a mentee of the same gender, based on similar career or personal interests. Matches begin in October and extend through January. Most mentor-mentee pairs are matched and begin building their relationship in October of each program year.

Step 6: Select a Program Preference

iMentor takes mentor preferences into account when making your match. On Page 3 of the application, you will be asked for your preferences for (1) length of match and (2) program focus. We encourage you to choose all of the options you are interested in helping a mentee with. (Please note that we'll do our best to take these into account, but since we match for best fit for mentees, we cannot guarantee your preference.)

Get Started!