Volunteers

Volunteerism is the bedrock of the StreetWise program model. Every year, hundreds of corporate professionals generously offer their time, collectively contributing 10,000 hours of service. Through networking events and workshops, these dedicated volunteers provide invaluable support to StreetWise mentees. They assist mentees with developing essential skills, fostering connections, exploring career paths, navigating job searches, mastering interviews, and conquering the complexities of the hiring process.

Volunteers not only make a positive impact on the lives of mentees but also cultivate their own leadership and management abilities. In this way, volunteer opportunities with StreetWise help to professionally develop our nation's future leaders who rise to hire diverse talent and break barriers of unbiased hiring practices.

Volunteers participate in the program for one-day events, according to their interests and availability. It's a great way to contribute to the mentee's career trajectory and gives you shorter bursts of high-value interaction and activities. We have two main types of Volunteer Events.

Speed Networking

As the name implies, mentees join these rapid-fire sessions, honing their elevator pitches and meeting as many professionals as possible. Speed Networking happens at the midway point of our 13-week program, so the mentees have the basics of their resume and profile set and are learning the art of selling themselves. Volunteers act as sounding boards, networking with our mentees and giving feedback to strengthen story and skills. This is a great opportunity for volunteers to contribute to mentee growth, and meet other like-minded volunteers. 

“It was a pleasure to attend this event. StreetWise makes such an amazing team and I love the work they do. It’s so exciting to be a part of a mentee’s process and even though I’m currently volunteering, I’d like to become a full-time mentor in the near future.”

Mock Interviews

After strengthening their resumes, pitches, and mapping career goals, our mentees are ready to immerse in the job search. Volunteers conduct three mock interviews and provide feedback to mentees so they can ace their next job interview. We’ll provide you with a job description and you’ll ask the interview questions. If you’re looking for an in-depth, one-time volunteer opportunity, this is the event for you!

“I was so impressed by all of the mentees. They answered my questions thoroughly and we were able to have a true conversation. They clearly took time to prepare.”

Navigation Events

In Navigation Events, one-time volunteers work with small groups of mentees during targeted sessions to help them understand and develop essential skills that they need to successfully complete their job search.

Each session includes short facilitator-led content reviews and facilitator-led discussions. Volunteers also work with small groups of mentees to complete activities and lead discussions focusing on the topic for that week. Each event is no more than two hours of your time. Many topics and skills are covered, including:

  • Understanding inherent strengths through the Clifton’s Strengthsfinder Assessment

  • Developing targeted career maps

  • Crafting professional resumes and cover letters

  • Designing stand-out LinkedIn profiles

  • Building industry knowledge and language

  • Participating in valuable practice events including mock interview and speed-networking