Participants should meet at least one of the following:

• Currently in foster care
• Previously in foster care (including aging out, kinship care, or reunification)
• Currently involved with CPS

If you’re unsure whether someone qualifies, we encourage you to reach out and we’re happy to help. 

This program is designed for young adults navigating important transitions, such as:

• Finishing high school or recently graduated
• Starting or exploring college, community college, or trade school
• Entering the workforce
• Building independent living skills 

There are no strict education requirements. Participants may be: 

• In high school (typically juniors or seniors)
• High school graduates or GED recipients
• Enrolled in college, community college, or a training program
• Not currently in school but interested in education or career pathways

Participants should be willing to: 

• Meet weekly with a mentor
• Participate in monthly workshops and program activities (live or recorded)
• Participate in three field opportunities related to a field of their interest
• Communicate with program staff

We understand that schedules and responsibilities vary, and we work to be flexible while encouraging consistent engagement. 

This program is a great fit for young adults who: 

• Want support navigating education or career decisions
• Are interested in building life skills like budgeting or time management
• Would benefit from a consistent, supportive adult relationship
• Are motivated to grow but may need guidance, structure, or encouragement

This program may not be the best fit for individuals who are unable to commit to regular participation or need intensive clinical or crisis-level support beyond mentorship. If you’re unsure, we’re always happy to talk through individual situations. 

We welcome referrals from: 

• Self-referrals
• Caseworkers, CASA volunteers, and attorneys
• Foster parents, kindship caregivers, and guardians
• Teachers, school counselors, and college staff
• Community organizations and service providers

All referrals must be made with the young adult’s knowledge and consent. Because this is a voluntary program, participants should be aware of the referral and interested in engaging. We encourage you to talk with them about the opportunity first and ensure they’re open to being contacted before submitting a referral.

While NextStep mentoring aims to connect youth participants to employers in their field of interest, we are not a job placement or recruiting agency and cannot guarantee employment. Mentors support youth on their journey through the employment process. 

Our mentors come from a wide range of professional backgrounds. While mentors are not matched on a specific career field, they bring valuable experience and perspectives from many industries.

Some of the fields our mentors represent include:

• Business and entrepreneurship
• Healthcare and social services
• Education and youth development
• Government and public service
• Technology and IT
• Marketing, communications, and media
• Finance and accounting
• Skilled trades and workforce industries

Even if your mentor is not in your specific field of interest, they can help you build transferable skills, expand your network, and explore different career pathways.

Not necessarily. Mentors are not matched based on a specific career field, but rather on shared interests, personality, and overall compatibility.

While your mentor may not work in your exact field of interest, they will support you in exploring your goals, building skills, and navigating next steps. You'll also have opportunities to connect with professionals in your field of interest through workshops, events, and career exploration opportunities. 

NextStep Mentoring serves youth residing in DFPS Region 7 counties.