TLT Mentor Leadership Program
Lead. Guide. Grow.
Help develop the next generation of leaders while strengthening your own leadership skills.
The TLT Mentor Leadership Program is a 100% remote volunteer leadership opportunity for experienced professionals who want to help develop emerging leaders.
Mentors connect with TLT Leading Leaders Interns, share their professional experience, and provide guidance as interns explore careers, strengthen their skills, and prepare for their next steps.
The experience is designed to benefit both the intern and the mentor—through meaningful conversations, professional development, and opportunities to earn TLT Credentials & Certificates.
What Is the TLT Mentor Leadership Program?
The TLT Mentor Leadership Program is a structured volunteer leadership experience designed to connect experienced professionals with young adults participating in the TLT Leading Leaders Academy.
Mentors share their knowledge, professional experiences, and guidance while helping interns develop the skills and confidence needed to navigate their careers.
This is more than a one-time conversation. It is an opportunity to lead by example, support emerging leaders, and make a meaningful contribution to the next generation of Texas talent.
What mentors help interns develop
- Professional communication
- Career awareness and exploration
- Resume and interview preparation
- Goal setting and professional identity
- Confidence and problem-solving
- Networking and relationship-building
- Leadership skills and workplace readiness
How the Mentorship Experience Works
The TLT Mentor Leadership Program is designed to be structured, flexible, and meaningful for both mentors and interns.
1. Complete the Application
Submit the mentor application and complete the required background check.
2. Attend Mentor Training
Participate in a virtual training session before the cohort begins.
3. Join a Team Meeting
Attend a weekly TLT intern team meeting and connect with interns in your field of interest.
4. Connect With an Intern
After the meeting, share which intern you would like to mentor. If the intern accepts, you will schedule your own virtual meetings.
5. Follow the Mentorship Outline
Use the six-session guide to support career exploration, professional development, and leadership growth.
6. Earn Recognition
Complete the cohort experience and earn recognition through the TLT Mentor Leadership Program credential pathway.
Your Mentorship Journey:
Six Guided Sessions
Session 1: Introductions & Goal Setting
Discussion: Get to know each other, understand the mentee’s goals, and establish a recurring meeting schedule and preferred communication format.
Mentee Homework: Update and share current resume.
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Session 2: Resume Review & Career Planning
Discussion: Review the resume together and map out actionable steps required to achieve the mentee’s career goals.
Mentee Homework: Draft (or update) a tailored cover letter.
Optional Homework: Perform field research on target industries if career direction is still evolving.
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Session 3: Cover Letter Review & Target Roles
Discussion: Review cover letter draft and narrow down ideal job roles or internship opportunities.
Mentee Homework: Prepare responses for an upcoming mock interview.
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Session 4: Mock Interview & Networking Strategy
Discussion: Conduct a mock interview with constructive feedback. Discuss networking strategies (e.g., informational interviews, networking events) to help reach goals.
Check-In: Review remaining sessions to ensure primary objectives are being met.
Mentee Homework: Identify any specific remaining topics or goals to cover before the program concludes.
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Session 5: Informational Interviews & Relationship Building
Discussion: Share best practices for reaching out, conducting, and following up after informational interviews to build lasting professional connections. Evaluate progress against initial goals.
Mentee Homework: Determine remaining action items required to hit goals.
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Session 6: Wrap-Up & Future Steps
Discussion: Celebrate progress made throughout the program and map out next steps for the mentee’s ongoing professional growth.
Optional: Discuss transitioning into an extended mentorship schedule with broader gaps between meetings (e.g., monthly check-ins).
Certificate and Credential Pathway
Earn Your TLT Credentials
Your leadership matters. Your service deserves recognition.
The TLT Mentor Leadership Program provides opportunities for mentors to earn TLT Credentials & Certificates that recognize their participation, service, and continued leadership development.
TLT Mentor Certificate
Recognizes mentors who complete the required introductory mentor experience and verified service hours.
TLT Active Mentor Credential
Recognizes mentors who demonstrate continued engagement and support for TLT interns.
TLT Distinguished Mentor Credential
Recognizes mentors who demonstrate exceptional engagement, leadership, and meaningful impact on the interns they support.
Credentials may be added to LinkedIn, resumes, and volunteer records.
What We Ask of Our Mentors
Mentors are asked to:
- Complete the mentor application and required background check.
- Attend the virtual mentor training session.
- Participate in a weekly TLT intern team meeting.
- Meet with their matched intern according to an agreed-upon schedule.
- Provide constructive feedback, encouragement, and professional guidance.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality.
- Support the intern’s goals while encouraging independence and accountability.
The goal is not to have all the answers. It is to help an emerging leader ask better questions, explore possibilities, and take the next step.
Help Shape the Next Generation of Leaders
Your experience can make a difference.
Whether you are a business professional, educator, entrepreneur, community leader, or someone who simply believes in helping others grow, the TLT Mentor Leadership Program offers an opportunity to share your knowledge and support a young adult’s leadership journey.