Opportunity Scholars get access to exclusive resources, including the Skills that Shine (StS) mentorship program!
When you sign up for StS, you get to select an industry professional to serve as your mentor. Your mentor can help connect you to job and internship opportunities, expand your network, help you develop a resume and cover letter, and support your job search.
“This scholarship has meant the world to me…I can’t recommend the Skills That Shine program enough, and I gained so much from having a mentor provided to me by WSOS. I think collectively, I needed guidance to navigate my education and my future. Being a first-generation college student (now graduate), it feels like you have to figure everything out alone, and usually, that means not having a clue where to start. WSOS provided a place to start, and I am a success story because of their guidance and support.”
Madelynn, Opportunity Scholar
Career & Technical Scholars
You can sign up for the spring quarter mentorship program in January! Overall, you’ll spend about four to six hours participating in the program throughout the quarter.
You’ll meet with your mentor three times throughout the quarter. You’ll be provided with a mentorship guide containing topics to discuss with your mentor and tips and recommendations for communicating with them. You’ll discuss school, career goals, job search, networking, resumes, and more! You’ll also take steps to support your career readiness, such as developing a resume and cover letter.
Baccalaureate Scholars
You can sign up for the mentorship program in your third year!
WSOS provides a mentorship guide with discussion topics and recommendations for communicating with your mentor. You’ll discuss school, career goals, job search, networking, resumes, and more! You’ll also take steps to support your career readiness, such as developing a resume and cover letter.
“My experience with WSOS was exceptional. Not only was the financial support fundamental in helping me get through college but so were their professional development resources. I found the Skills that Shine Mentorship Program very helpful because I was able to speak to young professionals in a comfortable setting and gather their advice on interviews, internships, networking, etc.”
Alex, Opportunity Scholar
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How to sign up for a mentor?
You will receive an email from WSOS when it’s time to sign up for a mentor. Make sure you don’t unsubscribe and keep an eye on your email.
How long is the Skills that Shine mentorship program?
Career & Technical Scholars: It lasts all of spring quarter. We suggest three meetings once per month, but it is completely up to you and your mentor to decide what works best for you. You can meet virtually, in person, or via phone.
Baccalaureate Scholars: The program lasts seven months of the academic year. We suggest one meeting per month, but it is completely up to you and your mentor to decide what works best for you. You can meet virtually, in person, or via phone.
Am I required to participate in the Skills that Shine program?
No, it is 100% optional, but it is a great opportunity to connect with an industry professional!
What should I talk to my mentor about?
We will give you a mentee guide that will provide topics you can discuss with your mentor throughout the program. But if you have other topics you would like to talk about, you can also bring those to your mentor.
Will I be matched with someone from my exact industry?
No matter what industry your mentor is in, they will be able to support you as you prepare for your post-graduation career. There are mentors from multiple industries to choose from.