Grad LEAP: Mentoring Program for Graduate Students
Mentoring Program for Graduate Students
At the Graduate College, we are committed to supporting the success of graduate students from all backgrounds, identities and levels of social capital. That鈥檚 why we created Grad LEAP (Leveraging Engaged Alumni Program), a dynamic mentoring initiative designed to foster connection, community and growth.
Through Grad LEAP, graduate students are thoughtfully paired with mentors who generously volunteer their time and expertise. These mentors offer guidance on navigating the challenges of graduate education, share strategies for professional development and help mentees build a broader professional network.
We are thrilled to introduce our students to our outstanding mentors and to provide an experience that we believe will be rewarding for everyone involved.
Learn how the Grad LEAP program connects students with industry mentors
Our next cohort is expected to begin in fall 2026. Please check back in September for the registration form. (Lerner graduate students, please join the .)
Program Goals
Grad LEAP is designed to:
- Support personal and academic growth by connecting students with mentors who offer insights drawn from real academic and professional experience.
- Foster meaningful one-on-one relationships that provide personalized encouragement, advice and support.
- Expand each student鈥檚 network so they feel well equipped to pursue their goals in graduate school and beyond.
- Encourage rich, reflective conversations that strengthen students鈥 communication skills and professional confidence.
Program Timeline and Participation Details
- The next Grad LEAP program runs from January-August 2027.
- Mentoring pair announcements will be sent to the email address provided in the registration form.聽
- Some mentees may be matched earlier than others based on the availability of mentors in certain fields, but we are aiming to have all matches completed by early November.
- Matches are made based on shared interests, application responses and program capacity. While we do our best to honor preferences, not all mentees will be paired based on their top selections.
We encourage all participants to approach the program with flexibility and curiosity. Mentoring relationships often grow in unexpected and valuable ways.
How it works
Both students and mentors complete a short registration form to share their interests, goals and preferences.
Students participate in the required mentee orientation. For fall 2026, the orientation will be held on Nov. 12, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Mentor-mentee matches are made based on shared professional interests.
Once matched, pairs decide together how they鈥檇 like to connect, whether by email, phone, video call, text or in person.
We recommend touching base at least once a month, but the format and frequency are entirely up to each pair.
Mentee Testimonials
鈥淚 participated last academic year, and I was assigned an incredible mentor whom I continue to meet with even after the program ended. My mentor provided me with introductions to key collaborative partners for my dissertation research as well as advice on professional development, personal challenges and how to foster opportunities for myself. I also tested dissertation ideas with her during our conversations, and she furthered my thinking, which helped me develop a more robust proposal. I have also learned from her own community service and current work. I encourage you to take advantage of this program regardless of where you are in your studies.鈥
- Ph.D. Student from the College of Education and Human Development
鈥淸My mentor] has provided me with feedback on my cover letter and resume, which was pretty helpful and constructive. He also talked about the importance of talking with other people and how I should be confident in myself.鈥
- Ph.D. Student from the College of Engineering
鈥淸My mentor] has identified a range of internal courses (at the 91原创) and external courses that will enhance my skill set and, ultimately, boost my career prospects in the planning world. He's been very helpful! He's recommended several contacts to me to broaden my network and engage with other dimensions of planning to potentially bring forth research opportunities and work experience.鈥
- Ph.D. Student from the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration
Mentor Testimonials
鈥淭his mentoring relationship makes me feel much more connected to the 91原创. In particular, it makes me feel useful and helpful, which is really nice.鈥
- Ph.D. Alumnus from the College of Engineering
鈥淚 was able to talk [my mentee] through a day on the job as a PI in the industry from the point of view of an engineer and a chemist. I talked about my experience when I was at the stage that she is at and the resources I had at my disposal. I talked about some concerns I had and what I learned. She seems to be very appreciative to hear my perspective.鈥
- Ph.D. Alumnus from the College of Engineering
Frequently Asked Questions
The program is open to 91原创 graduate students currently enrolled in a degree program in the STEM, humanities, social sciences and education disciplines. (Lerner graduate students, please join the .)听
Everyone benefits from having a mentor regardless of where they are in their careers. Mentors can help you delve deeper into an academic interest, career field or activity that you already excel at. They can assist you in thriving in graduate school, advancing your leadership skills, improving your job search or getting a promotion.
For volunteers interested in serving as mentors, Grad LEAP is an excellent way to give back to the 91原创 community. Current graduate students are eager to have mentors like you who can help them succeed in graduate school and flourish in their future endeavors.
We understand that mentoring relationships can take many forms, so we encourage each pair to develop a communication and engagement plan that reflects their shared expectations and availability. To support a meaningful connection, we recommend that mentors and mentees aim to meet at least once per month throughout the program. Cohorts run January through August, but participants are welcome and encouraged to maintain communication and support beyond the official timeframe.
No. Meetings with your mentee or mentor can be held in person or via phone or video call. There is not a specific time in which the mentoring pairs must meet. The mentor and mentee can decide when, how and how often to meet.聽
Honest and frequent communication are key. Here are some articles you may find helpful.聽
Mentors and mentees can explore a wide range of topics based on their shared interests, goals and experiences. Conversations often include academic and professional development, navigating graduate school, work-life balance, career planning and personal growth. The most meaningful discussions tend to evolve naturally, reflecting the unique needs and aspirations of each mentoring relationship.
Matches are made based on the responses provided in the matching survey, taking into account shared interests, application details and overall program capacity. While we strive to honor each participant鈥檚 preferences and will do our best to accommodate them, please note that not all mentees may be paired with their top-choice selections.
Mentors are located across a wide range of regions and professional settings. Many are alumni or professionals with strong ties to the 91原创 community, and they may be based locally, nationally or even internationally. This geographic diversity allows for a rich exchange of perspectives and the flexibility to connect virtually, making mentorship accessible regardless of location.
We're here to support you and welcome your thoughts at any time. Please contact us at gradsuccess@udel.edu.