Shaping Sustainability Careers Through Mentorship
Mentorship programs are transformative for those pursuing careers in sustainability, offering benefits to both mentors and mentees. Through peer-to-peer mentoring and student-professional programs, these initiatives foster collaboration, skill development, and growth. Mentees gain valuable guidance, expand their networks, and learn how to translate their aspirations into meaningful action, while mentors benefit from fresh perspectives, renewed motivation, and the opportunity to shape the next generation of leaders. Peer mentoring encourages mutual support and shared learning among colleagues, while student-professional programs connect emerging talent with seasoned professionals who provide industry insights and career development support. Whether you’re seeking guidance or offering expertise, mentorship is a powerful tool for advancing sustainability and creating a brighter future.
Mentorship Program Goals
The Sustainability Professional Growth and Mentorship Program (SPGMP) aims to create accessible mentoring opportunities for undergraduate students who are exploring careers in sustainability and the environment.
Developed by University of Iowa students, SPGMP serves as a resource to connect students with experienced mentors passionate about fostering the next generation of leaders in environmental sustainability. Mentors provide guidance, support, and advocacy, helping students navigate their academic and career journeys.
SPGMP is built around three primary goals:
Building Connections: Bridging the gap between students and experienced professionals who share a commitment to sustainability.
Fostering Support: Offering a robust support system to enhance retention and success for students in sustainability-focused fields.
Empowering Leadership: Preparing students to lead the way in advancing sustainability and environmental initiatives.
By connecting students with resources and mentorship, SPGMP strives to create a more impactful future for sustainability.
Mentees
Basic Eligibility Requirements
- Mentees must be currently enrolled as a student at the University of Iowa
- A minimum GPA of 2.5 is preferred. Students with a GPA below 2.5 are encouraged to apply and submit a short explanation about their circumstances.
Preference will be given to students who:
- All students
Timeline
- June-August
- Join the mentorship interest list to be notified when the application form opens
- Application form opens mid-August
- September
- Applications due
- Mentors/mentees paired
- Meet and greet social
- October-April
- Monthly meetings between mentors and mentees
- Professional development events
- Group mentoring events
- Sustainability career forum
- Mentee socials
- May
- End-of-year survey
How to Apply
Applications open in mid-August and close in mid-September.
Join the mentorship interest list to be notified when the application form opens.
Mentors
Mentoring Guidelines
- Peer Mentorship
- Mentors must be a junior, senior, or graduate student at the University of Iowa with expertise in environmental sustainability
- Professional Mentorship
- Mentors must be faculty, staff, or practitioners with expertise in environmental sustainability.
- Mentors are required to meet with their mentees for an hour (at least) once a month.
- At meetings, mentors and mentees are encouraged to discuss their experiences, goals, and future plans.
How to Apply
Applications open in mid-August and close in mid-September.
Join the mentorship interest list to be notified when the application form opens.
Other Mentorship Programs
Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education
The University of Iowa is a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). As a member, all university faculty, staff, and students have access to the resources offered by AASHE, including their Mentorship and Peer Collaboration Program.
Division of Student Life
Colleges and departments across campus offer a wide-variety of mentorship programs. Mentoring@Iowa is a one-stop-shop to find mentorship opportunities, as well as resources and toolkits for mentors and mentees.