The AIGA Chicago Mentor Program offers creatives from across disciplines a safe space to gather and share insights, experiences and resources. With the support from our community, we are able to curate our mentor programming. This program helps guide and grow designers at any level of experience through focused mentor groups that are based on our community’s needs.
Our Mission
Our greater mission is to unite and empower our community through affordable and accessible continued education. If you’re interested in tapping into existing knowledge, make sure to check out our next Mentor Program Sessions.
Mentor Sessions
Our Mentor Program generally runs bi-annually:
Spring Sessions — March/April to May
Fall Sessions — September/October to November
NOTE: The Mentor Program will not have a 2023 Spring Session.
Our Reach
Our Program caters to 300+ people a year.
Annually we serve 240-250 mentees spread across 20-30 selected mentors.
Each session, 10-15 mentors are selected to help guide and grow a cohort of 10-12 mentees. Please note: This is not a 1 on 1 mentor program.
The Commitment
Our Programs can run between 6-11 weeks where participants will have access to (6) Mentor Sessions and private program-wide events. All sessions will run during the week in the evenings from 6PM – 8PM CST online, in-person, or both (depending on the Mentor’s preference). See How The Program Works for detailed information.
6-Week Program (6 Mentor Sessions + 2 Private Events)
Week 1: KickOff Event
Week 1: Mentor Session #1
Week 2: Mentor Session #2
Week 2: Private Mentor Program Events
Week 3: Mentor Session #3
Week 4: Mentor Session #4
Week 4: Private Mentor Program Events
Week 5: Mentor Session #5
Week 6: Mentor Session #6
Week 6: Wrap Up Event
8-Week Program (6 Mentor Sessions + 2 Private Events)
Week 1: KickOff Event
Week 1: Mentor Session #1
Week 2: Mentor Session #2
Week 3: Private Mentor Program Events
Week 4: Mentor Session #3
Week 5: Mentor Session #4
Week 6: Private Mentor Program Events
Week 7: Mentor Session #5
Week 8: Mentor Session #6
Week 8: Wrap Up Event
11-Week Program (6 Mentor Sessions + 5 Private Events)
Week 1: Kickoff Event
Week 1: Mentor Session #1
Week 2: Private Mentor Program Events
Week 3: Mentor Session #2
Week 4: Private Mentor Program Events
Week 5: Mentor Session #3
Week 6: Private Mentor Program Events
Week 7: Mentor Session #4
Week 8: Private Mentor Program Events
Week 9: Mentor Session #5
Week 10: Private Mentor Program Events
Week 11: Mentor Session #6
Week 11: Wrap Up Event
Program Cost Will vary depending on the program.
$50-$100 for AIGA Members
$100-$150 for Non-Members
Scholarships are available per program
There’s also a hidden cost; your time! We ask that you commit your time to the full 6-11-weeks to get the best return.