Mentors are asked to commit to supporting their Scholar for at least the first academic year. Ideally, the mentor Scholar relationship continues throughout the Scholar's college journey, which is typically 2 to 4 years.

Many mentors choose to stay connected long after graduation, continuing as friends, professional contacts, and valued members of the Esperanza community.

Every mentor Scholar relationship develops differently, but mentors are encouraged to:

• Connect with their Scholar at least once a month through a phone call, video call, text message, or email.

• Offer encouragement, guidance, and accountability throughout the academic year.

• Visit their Scholar on campus or meet in person when possible.

• Attend Esperanza events whenever possible to engage with Scholars and the broader Esperanza community.

Most mentors spend approximately 3 to 7 hours per month supporting their Scholar.

Whenever possible, we encourage mentors and Scholars to meet in person, whether for coffee, a campus visit, or another informal activity. While many mentoring conversations happen virtually, in person interactions can help strengthen the relationship.

Esperanza also hosts several events throughout the year where mentors are encouraged to participate. Annual events include Career Day, held each spring, and the Scholarship Award Ceremony, held each fall to welcome a new cohort of Scholars.

Additional opportunities to connect with the Esperanza community may include alumni reunions, volunteer activities, board events, networking gatherings, and social events.

No. While having experience in your Scholar's intended career field can be helpful for networking and career guidance, it is not required.

Many Esperanza Scholars are the first in their families to attend college. Having someone who can offer encouragement, share experiences navigating higher education, and provide general professional guidance is incredibly valuable, regardless of career background.

Esperanza will provide you with your Scholar's preferred email address and phone number.

If you have made several attempts to reach your Scholar without receiving a response, please contact Paula Mulhair at paula@esperanzafund.org. We are happy to help reconnect you and ensure your Scholar receives the support they need.

You are not expected to have all the answers.

One of the most valuable things you can do is help your Scholar think through challenges, identify resources, and develop problem solving skills. This may include encouraging them to speak with professors, academic advisors, career services, or other campus offices.

If your Scholar has questions about the Esperanza program or sends you academic documents such as transcripts, grades, or financial aid information, please ask them to contact Paula Mulhair directly at paula@esperanzafund.org.

Building a meaningful mentoring relationship takes time, and it is normal for some mentor Scholar pairs to need extra support along the way.

Esperanza provides mentor orientation, ongoing guidance, and staff support throughout the year. If communication becomes difficult or you have concerns about your mentoring relationship, please reach out to Paula Mulhair at paula@esperanzafund.org.

In rare cases where a mentor Scholar match is not the right fit, Esperanza may determine that reassignment is in the best interest of everyone involved.

Absolutely. Many Esperanza mentors live across the United States and mentor successfully through virtual meetings, phone calls, and occasional in person visits when possible.

Conversations can include academics, career goals, internships, leadership development, adjusting to college life, personal goals, time management, and life after graduation. Esperanza also provides suggested conversation topics throughout the year. Please see Communications Timeline resource.

No. Mentors are never expected to provide financial support, pay for tuition, or give gifts. Your time, encouragement, and guidance are the most valuable contributions you can make.

Listen, encourage, and help them identify appropriate resources. If you are concerned about their well being or believe additional support is needed, please contact Esperanza staff.

Yes. If appropriate, mentors are encouraged to share networking opportunities, internships, job shadowing experiences, and professional advice that may benefit their Scholar.

Yes. Mentors should maintain a supportive, professional relationship, respect their Scholar's privacy, and communicate in ways that align with Esperanza's mentoring guidelines.

While conversations between mentors and Scholars are generally confidential, if you have concerns about your Scholar's well being, safety, or academic standing, or believe Esperanza staff should be aware of a situation, please reach out to the Program Director. We are here to support both you and your Scholar.

The best ways to stay connected are to:

• Subscribe to the Esperanza newsletter.

• Follow Esperanza on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

• Attend Esperanza events throughout the year.

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You are also welcome to contact Paula Mulhair at paula@esperanzafund.org at any time with questions.