Program Overview
The One-to-One Mentorship Program is a personal development, training, and leadership initiative that requires active participation. EPs interested in participating ideally have proven leadership, a willingness to learn, and a proactive character. Upon a review of submitted applications, each admitted TORCH mentee will be paired with a local FAIA acting as their mentor for one year.
Throughout the program, mentors and mentees will meet regularly in a setting and system of their choosing to discuss specific professional goals, while further developing and strengthening their relationship. Participants will cultivate communication and leadership skills, develop career maps, and expand professional and personal networks. Mentoring will entail, but is not limited to, the sharing of personal experiences, detailed guidance, portfolio and resume reviews, and discussions on personal career advancement. Be sure to check out our alumni class pages from the left sidebar.
Join us on Monday, April 14, 2025 from 6–8pm at the Center for Architecture for an informational networking event as we continue to accept applications for the 2025 TORCH Mentorship program.
A Mentorship with Continuity
New this year, the TORCH mentorship program is introducing an initiative to integrate mentees into the program’s Executive Committee to ensure continuity and sustained leadership. Each year, a select group of mentees will have the opportunity to join the committee, where they will learn from past members and take on responsibilities in organizing, coordinating, and improving the program. This is an invaluable opportunity to learn from and meet even more Fellows of the AIA. These committee members will not only shape the future of the mentorship program but will also gain valuable organizational and leadership experience—preparing them to mentor the next cohort of Emerging Professionals.
Eligibility
- Applicants are expected to have experience working in the architecture profession for a minimum of 3 years.
- If accepted, AIA membership is required.
Submission Material
Applicants must submit the following:
- Cover Page: Name, Email Address, AIA Member Number
- Resume: 1-page maximum
- Short bio: 150 words (third-person voice) summarizing personal and professional background, interests, and achievements
- Applicant photo: High resolution, color headshot in professional attire
- Portfolio Work Samples: 5-pages maximum (8.5 X 11″ in either orientation)
Questions
Provide responses to the following questions, maximum 250 words each:
- Why are you interested in the One-to-One Mentorship Program, and if selected, what do you hope to gain from it? Please be specific and use your personal career goals to inform your answer.
- Please identify up to 3 specific interests in the fields of design, urban design & architecture you would like to deepen with your mentor (i.e. historical preservation, generative design, sustainability, circularity, prefabrication, transit-oriented developments, design research, etc. ) and the steps you have taken to pursue them.
- Please identify up to 3 career goals, objectives or aspirations; it can be either for near term (1-3 years) or long term (>5 years) and how has a past or present experience influenced your objectives?
- As a professional, how have you demonstrated initiative and leadership? Provide specific examples.
- What motivates you to join and contribute to the TORCH Executive Committee, and what relevant organizational experience do you have?
Submission Format
- Please combine all materials into a single PDF (max 10MB) and email it along with your JPG headshot to mentorship@aiany.org.
- File Naming Format: TORCHApplicationYYYY-LastNameFirstName (for both PDF and JPG).
Submission Deadline
Applications for the Class of 2025 are due by 11:59 pm on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by the TORCH Executive Committee, composed of Emerging Professionals and the members of the College of the Fellows. Selected mentees will be notified via email and invited to an in-person Speed-mentoring event to facilitate mentor-mentee pairing based on career goals and mutual interests.
Participation in the Speed-mentoring event, taking place on Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 6–8pm at the Center for Architecture, is mandatory.
For more information on the TORCH Mentorship Program or questions, please email us: mentorship@aiany.org