Be a mentor.

Be the difference.

As an Anaya Scholars mentor, you will play a pivotal role in helping first-generation, low-income students complete their college degrees and prepare for successful, fulfilling careers, while contributing to greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in educational and professional spaces. Our scholars are bright, driven, and compassionate individuals with unique stories, and the inspiration flows both ways—you’ll guide and support your scholar while being equally inspired by their resilience, dedication, and perseverance.

As a Mentor You Will:

  • Experience a unique opportunity to walk in the shoes of a first-generation student

  • Gain insight into the often-unseen micro-barriers that can hinder academic and professional progress

  • Engage in opportunities to help scholars navigating the complexities of college life to overcoming personal and social challenges.

Scholar and Mentor

An enthusiastic individual with professional career experience and who can give guidance to our scholars throughout their undergraduate journey. A mentor is non-judgement, approachable, and receptive to diverse perspectives and approaches to support scholars. Most importantly, you stay connected with your scholar.

Type of Mentorship:

  • Academic

  • Professional

  • Wellbeing

To be a mentor, you are…

Strong support starts with trust. 90% of our scholars feel exceptionally supported by their mentors.

  • Kevin Eagar

    "I had been looking for an opportunity to get behind a cause that resonates with me and learned of Anaya Scholars through friends. I believe in the foundation’s mission and was especially interested in helping a scholar navigate the college experience by drawing from my own first-hand experience in college, as well from my experience being a parent of two college aged children. It’s my first year serving as a mentor and I am enjoying getting to know my mentee, who is very engaged with our periodic meetings and receptive to my input and feedback.”

  • Nandan Padukone

    “Seeing these young scholars achieve their higher education and career goals goes beyond just getting a degree. I am a mentor because I feel inspired by their drive to tap into their full potential and make an impact on their broader community.”

  • Suzanne Berne

    “After decades of teaching undergraduates, I wanted to use what I've learned about college life to help students just entering it.  Working with Anaya Scholars has been a joy.”

  • Darren Fabbri

    “I became a mentor because I felt like my experience in hiring and recruiting talent for my company would provide a benefit to college students trying to navigate the competitive landscape of finding internships and starting new careers. I've worked with my scholar, who has an impressive and marketable skill set, to make sure he was prepared for his first internship in computer science. It's been really rewarding to see him grow personally and professionally over the four years I've been his mentor.”

  • Gabriel Paci

    “Throughout my career, I have seen firsthand how much of a difference a dedicated mentor can make in a person's life. I chose to become a mentor for Anaya Scholars to invest in the next generation of leaders, sharing the insights I’ve gained along the way to help them navigate their own paths to success.”

  • Lenna Bablouzian

    “For the past 26 years, one of my greatest joys and main purpose has been being a role model for my two daughters. Recently, they told me I could officially “check that box,” which both filled my heart and reminded me that I still have so much more to give. I have known about Anaya Scholars since its inception, and after one quick visit to the website, I knew this was the right time for me to join the village. I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to support, encourage, and learn alongside my scholar!”

Becoming a mentor, means helping change a student’s life.

hear how our current mentors have done just that.

Be a mentor. be the difference.

APPLICATION