ATD Puget Sound Mentorship Program                                                     KICK OFF PROGRAM - Sign up here!

Theme for 2H2026 Mentorship Cohort: Learning in Community     

Vision

To cultivate a thriving talent development community where meaningful mentorship empowers professionals and strengthens the impact of the people learning and development field.

Mission

To foster reciprocal learning, professional growth, and leadership development through a guided mentorship experience rooted in the ATD Capability Model and powered by connection.

Grow Your Career While Growing With Others

Learning Happens Faster in Community

The ATD Puget Sound Mentorship Program is a collaborative professional learning experience designed for talent development professionals who believe growth is continuous and best achieved together. Through mentorship, peer learning, networking, workshops, reflection, and ongoing community engagement, participants strengthen their capabilities while building meaningful professional relationships that support long-term growth.

In 2026, the program received the ATD Membership Engagement Excellence Award from Association for Talent Development, recognizing its impact in fostering professional growth, connection, supporting membership improvement, and community engagement.

Mentees: Gain clarity around your goals, strengthen your confidence, expand your professional network, and develop capabilities that support your next stage of growth through mentorship, reflection, and community learning.

Mentors: Share your experience, support the growth of others, and continue developing your own leadership, coaching, and communication skills through meaningful conversations and community engagement.

Because mentorship is not a one-way exchange — growth happens through connection, contribution, and shared learning.

Why This Program Feels Different

This program combines structured mentorship with ongoing community engagement, collaborative learning, practical conversations, and supportive accountability. Through workshops, networking events, peer discussions, Slack conversations, and shared reflection, participants continue learning not only from their mentor or mentee, but from the broader community experience.

What the Program Offers

This 4.5-month program (July 30 – December 14, 2026) is designed to support continuous professional development through both mentorship and community-based learning. Participants engage in one-on-one mentoring, workshops, networking events, office hours, and Slack-based conversations that encourage reflection, collaboration, accountability, and ongoing professional connection.

Participants will:

• Define clear development goals to guide their partnership
• Engage in structured mentoring conversations
• Access a curated Mentorship Guide with templates and reflection tools
• Participate in goal-setting and coaching workshops
• Join networking events, office hours, and peer learning conversations
• Connect through a dedicated Slack community for ongoing support and resource sharing
• Celebrate progress, learning, and relationships at the Graduation Celebration

Learning Beyond Mentorship

The program extends beyond traditional one-on-one mentorship by creating opportunities for continuous learning, meaningful connection, and collaborative professional growth. Through networking events, workshops, office hours, Slack discussions, and peer conversations, participants build greater career clarity, confidence, communication skills, and professional relationships. Participants have the opportunity to build community while developing a learning mindset shaped by reflection, curiosity, shared experiences, and active engagement with the L&D community.

Who Should Join?

Mentors: Professionals who want to share their experience, support the growth of others, and continue developing their own leadership, coaching, and communication skills through meaningful conversations and community engagement.

Mentees: Professionals seeking guidance, accountability, confidence, community, and support in navigating career growth, transitions, leadership development, or professional challenges.

Participants join the program in one role — either as a mentor or as a mentee — to create a focused and intentional experience for everyone involved.

Voices from Our Community

“One conversation turned vague ideas into a few concrete actions I could try without feeling overwhelmed. That clarity made progress feel possible.”

“There is a correlation between the benefit gained and the amount of participation and contribution you can offer.”

“The mentors are so experienced, thoughtful, and generous with their time. This program stands out to me as a highlight in my career transition.”

“I gained clarity about my direction, learned practical networking and job-search techniques, and built steady momentum.”

“I felt like just talking with my mentor I was picking up so much.”

Program Pricing

Participant Type                                       Fee

Mentee ATDps Member                             $19

Mentee Non-member                                  $29

(Student / In Transition)

Mentee Non-member                                   $49

Special New Member Bundle     $94 Join ATDps for $75 (saving $50 on full membership ) + join the program  for $19

Mentor 

(must be a current member)                 $0

Key Dates

Applications Open: Until July 25, 2026

Program Kickoff for Participants: July 30th

Program Runs: July 30th – December 14,2026

✅ Program Requirements

To join the program, participants must:

Submit the appropriate application

• Commit to a 4.5-month partnership and regular engagement
• Join the ATD Puget Sound Slack workspace, where all program communication takes place. (Having access to ATDps Slack workspace is part of the membership benefits)
• Participate in community activities, Slack conversations, surveys, and events
• Complete the ATD Capability Self-Assessment (mentees)
• Hold an active ATD Puget Sound membership (mentors)

Participants join the program in one role — either as a mentor or as a mentee — to create a focused and intentional experience for everyone involved.

How to Join

To register for the 2H2026 Mentorship Program, please complete the application form first.

Apply as a Mentor

Apply as a Mentee

Once your application is received, you’ll receive confirmation and next steps for registration and onboarding.

*We recommend completing the ATD Capability Self-Assessment to help you clarify your goals — you’ll need to log in or create a free account to access the ATD Capability tool.

If you have any questions about the program, you’re welcome to schedule a short call with our Mentorship Program Manager, Maria Kolesnikoff or send an email to MentorManager@atdpugetsound.org.