Build your network, increase your confidence, and grow your skills with the IT Mentoring Program. Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 cohort. All IT staff at Stanford are invited and encouraged to participate as a mentor, mentee, or both. The program kicks off in February and concludes in August.
The deadline to apply is Friday, Dec. 19, 2025.
How does the mentoring program work?
As part of the IT Mentoring Program, you’ll meet with your mentoring partner at least once per month from February through August (through July if you’re mentoring a Year Up intern). The program launches with a kickoff session where you’ll receive practical tips, tools, and best practices for a successful mentoring experience. A mid-program check-in in May creates space to reflect on your progress, and a wrap-up gathering in August brings everyone together to celebrate and close out the mentoring journey.
Why participate?
Participants in the IT Mentoring Program consistently share its meaningful impact on their growth and connections in the IT Community.
Benefits commonly include:
- Stronger listening and communication skills
- Lasting professional relationships and friendships
- New technical and soft skills
- Greater institutional knowledge
- Fresh perspectives and increased clarity
- Increased confidence and self-awareness
- A deeper understanding of other roles, teams, and departments across IT
While the formal program runs for six months, many say the relationships they build last well after the program ends.
Liz Chacon in Computer Resource Consulting shared how the IT Mentoring Program played a major role in her career development. To learn more about her career journey, read her Career Success Story.
Additional mentoring formats
In addition to the traditional six-month format, the IT Mentoring Program offers other mentoring options designed to align with your goals, needs, and schedule.
Mentor a Year Up Intern
Mentors can choose to mentor a Year Up intern through the IT Mentoring Program. This is a meaningful opportunity to make a lasting impact on an early-career IT professional. If you’re interested in mentoring a Year Up intern, select this option in your application under the “How Would You Like to Participate?” section.
Flash Mentoring
Flash Mentoring is a short, focused mentoring experience designed to address a specific question or goal. These one-time conversations provide targeted guidance, practical advice, and helpful resources in a streamlined format. This option is ideal for those who want mentorship but are unable to commit to the full six-month program.
- If you’re interested in becoming a Flash Mentor, complete the application and select “Flash Mentoring” in the “How Would You Like to Participate?” section.
- If you’d like to receive Flash Mentoring, no application is required. Simply visit the Flash Mentoring website and book an appointment with the mentor of your choice.
Questions?
If you have questions or would like more information about the IT Mentoring Program, contact the UIT Organizational Effectiveness team at it-connect-grow@lists.stanford.edu.
Learn more about the IT Mentoring program and submit your application »
