AIGA Portland’s Mentorship Program
Program graphics designed by former mentee Matt Foster @mattfosterdesigns
AIGA Portland’s Mentorship Program connects student designers and recent grads with professional mentors from our local creative community.
The mentee-led program runs for six weeks, starting in late January and ending in early March. During this time, mentees and mentors meet weekly for one-on-one digital sessions. The structure is intentionally light, allowing mentees to set goals and expectations that fit their needs.
How it Works
Apply, get matched, meet weekly, and celebrate together at the end.
November: Mentees and mentors complete online applications (linked below). Selected individuals are paired based on focus, interests, and location.
Late January: All participants gather virtually for a kickoff event to review program tracks, expectations, and how to set effective goals for the six-week session.
Late January to Early March: Each pair meets once per week at a time that works best for them.
Early February: Program chairs host optional open office hours for mentors and mentees to connect, ask questions, or share feedback.
Early March: The program concludes with a hybrid closing celebration where participants share insights, projects, and “aha” moments with the broader community.
For Mentees
Student Mentee Eligibility: Design students in the second half of their studies at colleges in Oregon or Vancouver, Washington are eligible to apply. For four-year programs, this means juniors and seniors; for two-year programs, second-year students.
Recent Graduate Mentee Eligibility: Design students who graduated within one year of the program start date from a college in Oregon or Vancouver, Washington are also eligible to apply.
This program is mentee-led, meaning students need to bring their focus, drive, curiosity and energy to the program every week. There is no portfolio review or additional requirement for entry. However, mentor availability is limited, so not all applicants may be paired. Priority is given to students closest to graduation.
For Mentors
Open to professionals in Oregon or Vancouver, Washington with five or more years of experience in a design-related field. We welcome a range of specialties including graphic design, illustration, UX/UI, motion, and environmental design.
No portfolio or resume requirements beyond the experience minimum. We focus on strong matches by skills and interests. AIGA membership is encouraged but not required. Learn more at my.aiga.org.
2026 Program Details and Applications
The 2026 Mentorship Program runs for six weeks, with weekly virtual meetings and a hybrid closing celebration.
Key Dates
Applications open: October 20, 2025
Application deadline: November 21, 2025
Kick-off event (virtual): Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 10 AM to 11 AM
Open office hours (virtual): Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 6 PM to 7 PM
Closing event (hybrid): Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 10 AM to 11 AM @ Murmur Creative
Apply to be a:
Know someone who’d make a great mentor? Or have a question about the program? Contact the Mentorship Team at mentorship@portland.aiga.org.