Bridging Futures Mentor Application

The Alexander Graham Bell Association works globally to ensure that people who are deaf and hard of hearing can hear and talk. We want all families to be informed and supported, professionals to be appropriately qualified to teach and help children with hearing loss, public policy leaders to effectively address the needs of people with hearing loss, and communities to be empowered to help their neighbors with hearing loss succeed.

AG Bell engages with volunteers to help spread Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) across the world through various types of work. AG Bell Youth Program Volunteer opportunities include the Bridging Futures Mentorship Program, which pairs young people with hearing loss with adult mentors with hearing loss who use listening and spoken language and can offer guidance, encouragement, and lived experience.

COMITTMENT TO BEING A MENTOR:

Mentoring is a meaningful commitment that requires consistency, care, and intentional engagement. Mentors serve as trusted guides and role models, helping mentees navigate academic, social, and personal growth.

Meet once a month from March-August 2026 with your assigned mentee and the Bridging Futures team on Zoom for your required monthly meeting.
- Please note- You will be able to communicate with your mentee throughout the month using a virtual mentoring platform- Mentornity. It is encouraged to do this to continue to build upon your relationship and provide support to your mentee.

Monthly Meeting Dates and Times:
- Wednesday, March 18, 2026 @ 7:30-9pm EST (Safety Training)
- Wednesday, April 22, 2026 @ 7:30-8:45pm EST
- Wednesday, May 27, 2026 @ 7:30-8:45pm EST
- Wednesday, June 24, 2026 @ 7:30-8:45pm EST
- Wednesday, July 22, 2026 @ 7:30-8:45pm EST
- Wednesday, August 26, 2026 @ 7:30-8:45pm EST

Must complete a child safety program certification. This will be a group training on Zoom offered at the first monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 from 7:30-9pm EST.

Commit up to 3-5 hours a month to ensure effective mentoring.

Complete monthly match support check in survey and receive support from Youth Programs Manager, if needed.

Mentor Description

Program Overview:

The Bridging Futures Mentorship Program is designed to empower young people to become confident communicators, strong self-advocates, and future leaders. Through a structured and supportive mentoring relationship, mentors will play a vital role in helping participants build the skills and confidence they need to thrive in college, their careers, and their communities.

As a mentor, you will guide and encourage your mentee to explore their goals, strengthen their communication and advocacy skills, and discover their potential to lead. Beyond personal growth, this program is about creating a cycle of impact—inspiring mentees to one day give back through advocacy, mentorship, and service of their own.

Mentors will receive training, tools, and ongoing support to ensure meaningful connections and lasting impact. Your time and guidance can make a powerful difference in a young person’s journey.

Mentor Qualifications:

▪ At least 21 years of age and in Junior/Senior year of college, and/or has a college degree or equivalent experience.

▪ Must be deaf or hard of hearing and use listening and spoken language as your primary mode of communication.

▪ Ability and desire to work with teens.

▪ Ability to interact effectively and responsibly in a supportive manner with mentees of all backgrounds.

▪ Understands the needs and interests of deaf or hard of hearing teens.

▪ Be able and willing to accept and perform leadership roles as a mentor.

▪ Willing to undergo a criminal record background check and child safety training.

Required Skills:

Strong organizational and time management skills.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Positive attitude.
Passionate about the Bridging Futures mentoring program as part of the mission of the Alexander Graham Bell Association.

Preferred Skills:

Worked with teens (middle and high schoolers) through camps, programs, and/or college degree program.
Advocacy or self-advocacy experience.

Responsibilities:

▪ Build a supportive and respectful relationship with your mentee.

▪ Meet regularly with your mentee.

▪ Assist mentee with creating individual goals and steps for future success.

▪ Maintain a positive role model presence for participants at all times during the mentorship.

▪ Participate in mentor support sessions, trainings, or program evaluations, as needed.

▪ Perform other duties as assigned by the program manager.

Remuneration:

At the conclusion of the Bridging Futures Mentoring Program, AG Bell will provide a remuneration of $350.

Name*

First NameLast Name

Date of Birth*

Date

Ethnicity*

Race*

Credentials

If applicable

Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip CodeCountry

Email*

example@example.com

Phone Number*

Format: (000) 000-0000.

Work Place/ Setting*

Job Position*

I am an individual who is DHHOther

What type of hearing loss do you have? Please specify below:*

YesNo

If you wear hearing devices, please share what device/s you wear below:

Tell us a little about yourself. What are a few hobbies, interests, or topics you enjoy or feel passionate about?*

Middle School Student (12-14 years old)High School Student (14-16 years old)Either!

What personal strengths, skills, or experiences do you feel proud of and would enjoy sharing with a young person?*

What inspired you to become a mentor, and what do you hope to offer a mentee?*

What is one goal—big or small—you have for yourself as a mentor over course of the program?*

What topics or areas are you most passionate about supporting mentees in? (e.g., advocacy, college readiness, accommodations, etc.) *

What type of mentee do you think you would connect well with (personality traits, interests, learning style, communication style)?*

Are there any mentee characteristics or communication styles you feel you may not be the best match for?*

How comfortable are you connecting with a young person over Zoom, and what helps you build rapport in virtual conversations?*

How do you prefer to communicate with others (friendly conversation, structure and clear steps, humor, encouragement, reflective conversations, etc.)?*

How is your current work/life schedule, and is there any support or structure that helps you stay consistent with commitments?*

This program meets once a month on Zoom for 6 months. You will be able to communicate with your mentee throughout the month outside of the monthly scheduled meeting through the Mentornity Portal (Virtual Mentoring Platform). Ideally, you would continue on with your mentee each year until they graduate from High School. How do you feel about this commitment, and what would you like the mentoring experience to look like for both you and your mentee?*

Please list any experience you have had with mentoring, leadership, or volunteer experience. *

Please upload two References here:*

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Please provide the contact information of two references and AG Bell Staff will reach out to them directly. Acceptable references include supervisors, professors, mentors, coaches, clients, or even respected peers/colleagues who can attest to your skills, work ethic, character, and potential.

Tell us about YOU video. Please upload a 1 to 2 minute video in an MP4 or .mov format. In the video, tell us your name, where you are from, two things that are unique about you, and why you want to become a mentor to middle and/or high schoolers. *

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Thank you for sharing your time to complete this form!

If you have any questions, comments or concerns about information on this form please email us at bridgingfutures@agbell.org.

We will be in touch!

Bridging Futures Mentor Application

Mentor Information