Introducing the 2023 PledgeLA Tech Mentorship Program,
in partnership with Riordan Programs at UCLA Anderson.
About the Program
Ready to Connect
The PledgeLA Tech Mentorship Program connects first-generation college students and recent graduates with experienced mentors from LA’s tech sector with the goal of helping them identify internships and full-time work. The program educates, prepares and motivates these mentees to competitively apply for and succeed in internships and careers in tech.
In this year’s refreshed model for the mentorship program, all mentees will have access to an advisory group of 15–20 expert mentors who are leaders from tech companies and VC firms across Los Angeles. Learn more below and consider participating!
Upcoming
2023 Program Timeline
Mentors Finalized
Virtual Kick-Off
Cohort Event #1: Interview Mastery (IN-PERSON)
Cohort Event #2: Salary & Pay (VIRTUAL)
Cohort Event #3: Networking & Career Planning (IN-PERSON)
3-Month Mentorship
Fall Gathering
Program Expectations
Mentors
We are actively recruiting mentors for our student mentee cohort! Mentors will work collaboratively to support a group of 15-20 first-generation college students and recent graduates.
Mentor Responsibilities Include:
Phase I
- Attend the Virtual Kick-Off event: Thurs. Feb. 16th, 6:30 –8 PM
- Attend and participate in each of the following mentee cohort events:
- Tues. Feb. 28th, 6:30 – 8 PM: Landing an Interview & Securing a Job in Tech (In-Person, UCLA Campus)
- Thurs. April 20th, 6:30 – 8 PM: Navigating Salary & Pay (Zoom)
- Thurs. June 8th, 6:30 – 8 PM: Networking & Career Planning (In-Person, UCLA Campus)
Phase II
- Have a total of four advisory meetings (30 min each) with at least two different mentees from July 2023 to September 2023 (virtually or in-person). Mentors should also be open to follow-up chats with mentees as needed.
- Help mentees with identifying and meeting professional goals.
- Complete post-meeting reports after connecting with mentees.
If you are interested in being a mentor for the 2023 year, please complete our mentor application by Thursday, February 9th, 2023.
Mentees
Participating mentees agree to:
- Attend all cohort events.
- Have at least two advisory meetings with two different mentors from July 2023 to September 2023 (virtually or in-person).
Program Impact
Through the mentorship program, PledgeLA has matched nearly 118 first-generation college students and recent graduates with mentors from LA’s tech sector — with the goal of identifying an internship or full-time role by the end of a yearlong relationship. As of 2020, 80% of these students have been connected to career opportunities at places like Apple, Amazon, Google, Oracle, and Scale Health.
Our Partners
Frequently Asked Questions
While some meetings may be virtual, mentors should be based in Los Angeles.
Read about our program expectations here.
Reach out to us at [email protected].
