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OVERVIEW
The Paragon Policy Mentorship Program is a four-month initiative designed to support current and former Paragon Fellows by pairing them with experienced professionals in the science, technology, and policy space. Mentors and mentees are matched based on shared interests, career goals, and availability. Once paired, mentees initiate the relationship and work with their mentor to set expectations, define goals, and schedule check-ins.
The time commitment is intentionally light—just one hour per month—yet structured to create substantive conversations about career development, skills building, and navigating the tech policy landscape. In addition to one-on-one mentorship, participants benefit from being part of a broader professional community dedicated to building a more inclusive and capable public interest technology workforce.
Mentors are paired with mentees based on shared interests, career aspirations, and availability. Once matched, mentees will initiate introductions, and both parties will work together to define goals, meeting schedules, and discussion topics.
Just one hour a month can launch a career
FOR MENTORS:
Share your expertise with the tech policy leaders of the future. Mentors benefit from expanded professional networks and opportunities to develop and refine management and leadership. Mentors also gain the opportunity to get involved with any research we publish.
FOR MENTEES:
Develop your career through curated events and deep one-on-one relationships. Mentees expand their technology policy expertise with the personalized support of a seasoned mentor.
ELIGBILITY & TIMELINE
MENTOR REQUIREMENTS:
1. Commit to a minimum of one (1) hour per month for four months to support your mentee(s).
2. Provide guidance on career development, networking, and industry best practices.
3. Engage in discussions based on the mentee’s goals and challenges.
4. Help mentees build skills relevant to tech policy and adjacent fields.
5. Possess at least one (1) year of professional experience in technology policy.
MENTEE REQUIREMENTS:
1. Commit to a minimum of one (1) hour per month for four months.
2. Actively participate in discussions focused on your career goals, challenges, and professional growth.
3. Take initiative in setting goals, asking questions, and applying advice from mentorship sessions.
4. Be open to feedback and willing to develop skills relevant to tech policy and adjacent fields.
5. Be either a current or former Paragon Policy Fellow.
Our mentorship program operates bi-annually.
Second cohort applications (for both mentor and mentee) are now open.
The application is due January 10th, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST.