2026 Career Connections Mentoring Program

The International Day Person with Disabilities Event Banner. At the top, text reads: “Celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities.” The main headline says: “FROM ISLAND TO IMPACT.” and below that text reads: “Featuring Eva Erickson & Mitch Guerra of Survivor 48.”Event details are listed: Wednesday, December 3, 12:00 – 1:30 PM Central. Icons of a calendar and a clock appear next to the date and time. At the bottom, text reads: “Free Virtual Event | Hosted by Disability:IN Minnesota.” On the right side are two smiling people: Eva Erickson wearing a green sleeveless top, and Mitch Guerra wearing a floral button-up shirt. Between them is the “Survivor” logo with the words “Outwit, Outplay, Outlast.” Logos for Disability:IN and Disability:IN Minnesota are at the top corners.
Disability:IN Minnesota’s 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities Celebration
October 12, 2025
Graphic reads ”Unhide and Thrive. When I stopped hiding, I found freedom.” Thursday, March 19, 2026 from 12 - 1pm Central Standard Time. with Ruth Rathblott, Ted Talk Speaker and Author of Unhide and Seek: Live Your Best Life. Do Your Best Work. Ruth is pictured sitting on a park bench, in a black dress. Below her photo is a green box with her name. To the right of her photo, there is a purple background with the event title and date and time information.
Unhide and Thrive: Inclusion and Belonging in the Workplace
February 11, 2026
Mentor Program

The Career Connections Mentoring Program is a 3-month mentoring experience connecting employers/professionals from Disability:IN Minnesota member companies to:

  • College/university students with disabilities
  • Recent graduates with disabilities or
  • Individuals with disabilities who have completed a specialized training/certification program

The mentoring program offers one-on-one relationships that will allow both mentors and mentees to share their insights, perspectives and experiences related to disability inclusion in the workplace. This results in a supportive mutually-beneficial relationship that provides the mentor with an enhanced knowledge of disability inclusion while driving career development and employment opportunities for the mentee.

Career Connections Mentoring Program Dates

The 2026 Mentoring Program will run from January 5, 2026 – March 27, 2026 and will require mentors and mentees to have contact twice per month either via phone or video conference. The estimated monthly time commitment is 4 to 6 hours.

Here are the key program dates:

  • November 17, 2025 – Mentoring Program Application Opens

  • December 29, 2025 – Application Deadline

  • January 5, 2026 – Mentoring Pairs Announced

  • January 9, 2026 – Virtual Kick-Off Event 12 pm – 1 pm

  • January 12-23, 2026 – Mentoring Pairs First Meeting

  • February 20, 2026 – Disclosure Training 12 pm – 1 pm

  • March 27, 2026 – Program Conclusion and Virtual Celebration 11:30 am – 1 pm

2021 Career Connections Mentoring Program

How to Apply

Apply today to be a mentor or mentee in this great program!

Mentee Application

Mentor Application

Application deadline is Monday, December 29, 2025 at 5:00 pm.
More information about Disability:IN Minnesota’s Career Connections Mentoring Program can be found here.

If you have further questions about the program, email info@di-mn.org.