Ellen Griggs worked for more than 25 years in the field of investment management. Now retired, Ellen Griggs spends her free time as a mentor with the nonprofit organization Year Up. For professional businesspeople who want to make a difference in the life of a young adult from a low-income background, becoming a Year Up mentor is simple and meaningful way to contribute.
In order to help individuals from disadvantaged situations join the mainstream economy, Year Up recruits young adults from urban environments who show high levels of motivation. For the first six months, students receive instruction in professional workplace skills. Subsequently, for the following six months, they participate in an internship with a partner company to gain job experience and apply their newly acquired skills.
The role of a mentor is to serve as a teacher and supporter who relays personal experiences and encourages the student to succeed. The mentor is also responsible for maintaining contact with his or her student throughout the duration of the program, as well as developing for the student a professional network to be used to further his or her career.
Ellen Griggs Blog 