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Welcome to The Venture Mentoring Team's Scholastic Mentor Application

Congratulations, you’ve landed here because you have been nominated by a dean at one of the universities listed below.

  • Florida Atlantic University (FAU)
  • Florida International University (FIU)
  • Nova Southeastern University (NSU)
  • University of Miami (UM)

If you have not been nominated by your school, or your school is not listed above, please contact your dean’s office to learn more about our program.

The Venture Mentoring Team’s Scholastic Mentoring Program strategically integrates MBA and law school students into the VMT entrepreneurial ecosystem.  Scholastic Mentors are nominated by their dean and experience the VMT’s extensive application, interview and mentor training process. VMT Scholastic Mentors not only gain invaluable experience but also contribute significantly to the growth and development of startups and underserved small businesses.

Benefits for You (Scholastic Mentors):

  • Professional Development:  Scholastic Mentors receive intensive training through the VMT mentor training program, equipping them with essential mentoring skills and business acumen.
  • Real-World Experience:  Working alongside experienced VMT Certified Mentors, these VMT Scholastic Mentors gain hands-on experience in addressing real business challenges and offering actionable solutions.
  • Networking Opportunities:  Through interaction with a diverse group of industry leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs, Scholastic Mentors will have the opportunity to broaden their professional network.

By incorporating Scholastic Mentors into our mentoring teams, the VMT aims to create a dynamic and inclusive ecosystem where the wisdom of experienced professionals converges with the vibrancy and innovation of the academic community.   This co-generational collaboration ensures that our startups and small businesses benefit from diversity of thought, insightful guidance, and a fresh outlook on the challenges they face.

Upon submitting your application, you will be required to complete a series of activities over the next 90 days. These activities include 6 interviews, to be accepted into the program.  Once accepted, you will be asked to complete 10 hours of video training and three 2-hour workshops. Please ensure that you have sufficient time to devote to these activities, taking your academic workload into account.’s

Join us in shaping the future.  Apply to become a VMT Scholastic Mentor.

Click Here to Apply
Florida Atlantic University

The path taken by entrepreneurs is never a straight line and is full of twists and turns that often require expertise and guidance from professionals outside of the organization. We at 2nd Vault could not be more grateful and appreciative of the time and knowledge provided to us by the Venture Mentoring Team. Every minute spent with our mentoring team is time well spent and invested. The VMT mentoring team is a perfectly crafted group of professionals that all have meaningful direction and insights to provide. The VMT mentors keep us focused on what is in front of us systematically, helping to lead our company to scale. We feel so fortunate to have been selected as mentees of the VMT and hope to pay it forward in the future.  Thank you for all you do and the impact you have on start-up founders, as there is no price one could ever assign to the value we have received.

Kevin C. Cox, phD, MSE

Senior Instructor and Assistant Director

Office Depot initiated the Elevate Together program in 2021 partnering with The Venture Mentoring Team, the National Urban League and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to deliver impactful, measurable and scalable support services that foster business creation and growth opportunities for Black and Hispanic businesses.

It has been an honor to partner with the Venture Mentoring Team during Elevate Together’s launch and early stages. Their mentoring methodology and training set a high bar, and their mentors have been invaluable to our Elevate Together grant recipients.

We look forward to the VMT’s continued work with Urban League affiliates, Hispanic Chambers and other community partners to provide mentoring services to minority-owned small businesses as they grow and expand their mentoring services.

Sharu Goodwyn

National Manager, Community Investment, Elevate Together

Alex Price

National Director, Community Investment / Co-Leader, Diversity Council