Scholar Link
Scholar Link is a unique mentoring program designed for Lilly Endowment Community Scholars. The program connects Lilly Scholars of all ages and life stages with other Lilly Scholars for a 6-month program offered annually from October to March.
Registration for Scholar Link is now open.
About the Program
Scholar Link is a 6-month structured mentoring program designed for Lilly Scholars seeking engagement with the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN). The program connects any current or alumni Scholar seeking mentoring experience with a Lilly Scholar alumni who has a minimum of 5 years of career experience.
Scholar Link is designed to develop a professional 1:1 relationship between Lilly Scholars to:
- Prepare for job search or other post-graduate experience
- Share workforce or other post-graduate educational experience
- Promote ongoing professional development and networking
- Inspire community engagement
Scholar Link is managed by LSN staff using the “Mentoring” section of lillyscholarsnetwork.org. This will allow staff to facilitate mentor-mentee matching, set program benchmarks, provide digital program tools/resources, monitor participation, and evaluate outcomes.
Program Registration Opens August 1
Expectations & Commitment
Mentees are required to prepare for the program, including attending a program orientation.
Mentees must attend one orientation meeting. Two opportunities will be offered:
If a mentee cannot attend orientation they must identify a separate time to meet with Katie Swanson or forgo the program. Orientation is mandatory to ensure the mentee is prepared to maximize their program experience.
Mentors are expected to complete a background check and attend a Scholar Link mentor orientation to ensure that the objectives of the program are clear and the intended mentee/mentor experience is well defined.
One mentor orientation will be offered:
A calendar invite and Zoom information will be sent to participants once they select their orientation time.
Each Scholar Link participant will be offered a CliftonStrengths assessment to give mentorship pairs a shared experience to kick-start their journey. Staff will facilitate a CliftonStrengths Workshop at 7 p.m. ET on Nov. 3.
Additionally, a commitment of six one-hour meetings and additional time for follow up for each meeting should be anticipated.
Mentorship pairs will track progress using LSN designed milestones accessed through lillyscholarsnetwork.org. LSN leadership can also monitor each pair’s progress and provide encouragement for pairs that may have gotten off schedule.
Mentorship requires mutual respect. By engaging in the Scholar Link program, mentorship pairs commit to meeting monthly. If a mentorship pair is unable to connect and meet according to the schedule the mentor and mentee can be released from the program. Please communicate with Katie Swanson, and she will communicate with your counterpart as needed.
The Scholar Link mentor/mentee relationship will conclude at the end of March. However, if a mentor and mentee wish to continue meeting, they understand that they are doing so outside of the Scholar Link program. All participants, mentees and mentors, are welcome to sign up for another round of Scholar Link participation once registration opens the next fall.
To Opt-In
Interested mentors and mentees should fill out the interest form by Sept. 12. All Scholars will be notified of the Scholar Link program in the August LSN Newsletter and asked to review their profile information on lillyscholarsnetwork.org to indicate if they would like to participate in the program.
Mentees should check the boxes that indicate they are seeking mentoring, and mentors should check all the boxes for offer mentoring. You’ll want to make sure your profile includes any education and employment information – you can also include a blurb introducing yourself and your interests and involvements.
To Be a Mentee
- Complete the registration form & be specific about what you’re looking for in a mentor.
- Once matched, initiate communication with your mentor. Include possible dates/times you’re available to connect within a 1-2 week timeframe. If your mentor does not respond to you within two weeks of the introductory email, reach out to see if they are still interested in participating. If you do not get a response, please contact katie@lillyscholarsnetwork.org.
- Develop a list of questions, topics, issues or challenges that you would like to address and gain feedback with your mentor during the course of the year. Review the Meeting Focus Resources for inspiration.
- Lead the relationship. You’re in charge of reaching out first, setting meeting times, and leading each conversation with purpose.
To Be a Mentor
Make sure your profile on lillyscholarsnetwork.org shows you’re “Offering Mentoring.” LSN staff will search lillyscholarsnetwork.org for alumni scholars who match the interests of mentees and are willing to help. Potential mentors will be contacted via email.
What to expect once you’re matched:
- Review the information provided to you about your mentee once matched.
- Think about the mentors that influenced your life and career. What aspects were present that made the relationship valuable? What qualities did they have or exhibit that encouraged you? What aspects about them made them a good mentor to you? From those past relationships what would you like to be mindful of as a mentor?
- Identify key life transitions and decisions that might be interesting to share with your mentee.
2025-2026
Scholar Link Program Dates
Aug. 1 – Registration Opens
The Impact of Scholar Link
Learn more about Scholar Link mentor pairs and their stories.
Reach out to learn more!
Schedule a 1-on-1 chat with Emily Morales, LSN Collegiate Relations and Events Associate with additional questions or email her at emily@lillyscholarsnetwork.org.
