Future Ready Iowa has launched an e-mentoring platform geared to support Last Dollar Scholarship recipients by partnering them with career-related mentors. Through engaging in the Future Ready Iowa Mentoring Program (a collaborative partner of Volunteer Iowa), college students throughout Iowa will make meaningful career connections that enhance their academic experience and strengthen their job readiness skills, say state officials.  

“Connecting a student with a career mentor can potentially make the difference between that student persisting and graduating or leaving school altogether, said Jason Wiegand, Future Ready Iowa Mentoring program manager. “Students who engage in the mentoring program will be well-prepared for the college-to-career transition.” Wiegand said an advantage of the platform
is its ability to connect mentors and students throughout the state regardless of barriers related to transportation or scheduling conflicts.   

“The best career resource for Iowa students is a professional willing to share their knowledge and experience,” Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a statement. “Mentoring is a rewarding opportunity to shape a young career and help create a future ready workforce for Iowa.”  

The Future Ready Iowa Mentoring Program is seeking mentors in high-demand fields. To view a list of the occupations in which students need mentors, click here. Visit Future Ready Iowa’s mentoring website for more information and to sign up to be a career mentor.

For the Fall 2019 semester, $6.8 million in scholarship dollars were awarded to 6,032 students enrolled in eligible programs, with plans to earn a certificate, diploma or associate degree aligned with a designated high-demand job.