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Scholastic Mentor Program

The Venture Mentoring Team Scholastic Mentoring Program strategically integrates MBA and law school students into the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Scholastic Mentors are nominated by their dean and experience the VMT’s extensive application, interview, mentor training and certification program. 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 Scholastic Mentors

Professional Development: Scholastic Mentors receive intensive training through the VMT’s mentor training and certification program, equipping them with essential mentoring skills and business acumen.

Real-World Experience: Working alongside highly experienced VMT Certified Mentors, VMT Scholastic Mentors gain hands-on experience in addressing real business challenges and offering actionable solutions.

Networking Opportunities: VMT Scholastic Mentors have the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of industry leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs, broadening their professional network.

Benefits for Founders Being Mentored

Diversity of Thought: Founders receive guidance not only from seasoned professionals but also fresh, innovative insights from Scholastic Mentors.

Comprehensive Support: The blend of experience and theoretical knowledge from a co-generational team of VMT mentors provides a balanced support system, fostering growth and innovation in their ventures.

Benefits for Experienced VMT Certified Mentors

Knowledge Sharing: VMT Certified Mentors have the opportunity to share their wealth of experience with a younger generation of VMT Scholastic Mentors, ensuring their altruism, legacy and business acumen continue to impact the broader society.

Renewed Perspective: Interaction with younger Scholastic Mentors provides Certified Mentors with fresh perspectives and ideas, keeping them connected with younger market trends and business strategies.

Benefits for Participating Universities

Enhanced Reputation: Being a part of this initiative showcases the university’s commitment to practical, experiential learning and community engagement.

Alumni Engagement: Graduates who participate as Scholastic Mentors or experienced VMT Certified Mentors foster a stronger connection with their alma mater, enhancing alumni relations and contributions.

The VMT Scholastic Mentor Program is not just about addressing immediate business challenges; it’s about fostering a culture of altruism, continuous learning and mentorship. With the  Scholastic Mentor program, we are not only resolving current entrepreneurial dilemmas but also nurturing mentors for life, contributing to a self-sustaining cycle of growth, learning, and community development. Our approach solidifies our commitment to creating a lasting societal impact through mentorship.

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

Elevate Together

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