ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The ATD-LA Mentorship Program is a 6-month skill-based experience (January – June 2026) that connects members with experienced L&D professionals. Unlike traditional programs, this one is open-ended and personalized — mentees identify a skill they want to strengthen, and mentors provide one-on-one guidance to support their growth.
Applications are being accepted NOW!
✨ SKILL FOCUS
This program is built around YOU.
• You take ownership of your development.
• Identify one skill you want to grow.
• Your chosen skill will guide your unique mentorship journey.
Whether it’s career navigation, instructional design, leadership, or something entirely different, the program adapts to your goals.
👩🏼🤝👩🏻 WHO CAN JOIN?
- Mentees: Anyone from talent development community seeking mentorship can apply. Once mentors are assigned, you must be an active ATD-LA member to participate in the program.
- Mentors: Open to all experienced L&D professionals (membership not required).
This program is designed for:
- New graduates or students curious about the L&D field.
- Career changers (teachers, project managers, or professionals from other fields) ready to transition into L&D.
- Current practitioners looking to accelerate their path into leadership or management.
- And beyond — this program is for YOU.
🦉 WHY JOIN?
For Mentees:
• Gain personalized guidance on the skill that matters most to you.
• Build confidence through real-world insights and feedback.
• Strengthen your career path with support from an expert mentor.
For Mentors:
• Give back to the L&D community by sharing your expertise.
• Sharpen your coaching, feedback, and leadership skills.
• Gain recognition with a certificate of service and opportunities for community spotlights.
For Both:
• Expand your professional network.
• Exchange ideas, perspectives, and best practices.
• Grow alongside peers in the ATD-LA community.
Spotlight Opportunities
Participants may be featured on ATD-LA’s community platforms, including newsletters, LinkedIn, and social media. Share your journey using #ATDLAMentor2025, and ATD-LA will amplify your story to inspire others.
📅 PROGRAM TIMELINE
Early January – Kick-Off Meeting (Separate orientation sessions for all Mentors and all Mentees)
- Program objectives & guidelines
- SMART goal setting & milestones
- Roles & expectations
- Communication boundaries & meeting frequency
January–June – Monthly Mentor/Mentee Meetings
- Ongoing collaboration based on mentee’s chosen skill goal
- Minimum of 4 one-on-one meetings
- Focused on learning, practice, and growth
March – Mid-Program Check-In (All Participants)
- Discuss progress & challenges
- Share success stories
- Identify additional support or resources
June – Wrap-Up Meeting (All Participants)
- Each pair shares key learnings
- Review what went well & areas for improvement
- Post-program feedback survey
- Certificates of completion/recognition
❓ FAQs
1. Do I need to be a member to apply?
- For mentees, no you do not need to be a member to apply for mentorship program. However, once assigned a mentor you will need to be an active ATD-LA member. Membership in ATD-LA must be maintained throughout the mentorship period.
- For mentors, membership is not required.
2. How much time commitment is required?
This is a 6-month program. Mentees and mentors will schedule their own monthly meetings (about 1 hour per month). In addition, there are 3 program-wide check-ins where all participants come together.
3. How are mentors and mentees matched?
Matches are based on the skills you identify in your application, your resume, and overall experience. When you receive your match email, ATD-LA will also share the rationale behind the match.
Questions? Contact mentor@atdla.org