Paying it Forward.
Career Mentoring Initiative
Through our Career Mentoring Initiative CDI works with Scholars in college and beyond to focus on career coaching and access to workforce opportunities through experiential learning and connects Scholars with accomplished professionals in their chosen fields. The initiative includes a soft skills curriculum based on the following core competencies:
• Career Management
• Oral/Written Communication
• Leadership
• Professionalism/Work Ethic
• Digital Technology
• Intercultural Fluency
• Teamwork/Collaboration
• Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
CDI Connect is our new online portal that connects CDI College Scholars to a professional network of mentors, fostering purposeful relationships that aid in professional growth and development.
Mentorship
CDI Mentors are volunteers who serve as an integral resource and support system to CDI College Scholars working towards graduation, preparation for the workforce, and securing employment. As experienced professionals and thoughtful leaders, mentors volunteer their time to assist in the growth and development of our Scholars.
CDI offers two mentorship opportunities:
Spark Mentors
Spark Mentors are available for one-time mentoring opportunities for any college Scholar. Scholars are able to request information, guidance, and advice related to the mentor’s specific career field or area of expertise. Spark Mentors are able to set their availability and frequency of meetings per month.
Direct Mentors
Direct Mentors are strategically matched with a college Scholar for a one-on-one mentoring experience. Direct Mentors are committed to checking in with their matched Scholar at least twice a month to discuss goals and work through professional development tasks.
Why Our Work Matters
Employers are looking for recent graduates who not only have a degree but are career ready. Career Readiness is the attainment and demonstration of essential skills that prepare college graduates for a successful transition into the workplace. We believe the core competencies that college graduates need to demonstrate to be ready for the workforce can be developed through experiential learning opportunities provided by mentors, employers, and community partners.
Mentoring Gap
Studies suggest that nearly 16 million young people, including 9 million at-risk young people, will reach adulthood without connecting with a mentor of any kind, meaning 1 in 3 young people will grow up without a mentor.
Leadership
At-risk young adults with a mentor are more likely to hold a leadership position in a club, sports team, school council, or another group (51% versus 22%).
Career Readiness
78% of employers say employment no longer depends solely on a degree or academic major, but more on experience, practical sense, and the ability to do the job.
