Guide the next generation of food policy leaders
Why mentor with Food Policy Pathways?
As a mentor, your insights and guidance will empower the most promising professionals to excel in public service and maximize their impact on our food system. By working with Food Policy Pathways, you'll contribute to a network of extraordinary leaders dedicated to driving meaningful change in the food and agriculture sector.
What mentors do
Share expertise with emerging policy professionals
Provide thoughtful feedback on career strategies, resumes, and more
Open doors to professional contacts and opportunities
Help identify and evaluate impactful roles in the field
Mentor requirements
We invite accomplished professionals who meet the following criteria:
Current or former experience in food, agriculture, nutrition, rural policy, or similar roles
Commitment to advancing healthy, secure, and resilient food systems
Capacity to engage with mentees on a flexible, as-needed basis, dedicating at least 2 hours per quarter
A desire to help cultivate the next generation of leaders shaping our nation’s food policies
“I wouldn’t be where I am in food policy today without the guidance and support of others. Being able to pay it forward by mentoring future leaders is incredibly rewarding. Supporting each other is the only way we’ll drive meaningful change in food and agriculture policy, and Food Policy Pathways makes it seamless for mentees and mentors to connect and succeed.”
— USDA staffer
The mentorship process
Start your journey as a mentor with us:
Submit our mentor intake form to share your background and interests.
If we determine your experience aligns with our program’s needs, we’ll invite you to a 30-minute conversation to explore your mentorship goals and discuss how your expertise can best support our candidates.
Following approval, you’ll be thoughtfully paired with mentees whose interests and aspirations align with your strengths.
Build meaningful relationships through structured touchpoints, tailored to fit your schedule and expertise.
Become part of a community of accomplished professionals, with opportunities for ongoing collaboration and dialogue.
Please note that mentorship is a voluntary commitment driven by the opportunity to shape future leaders. The reward lies in seeing your mentee secure an impactful role, excel in their career, and contribute to meaningful change––while building lasting connections with a network of passionate, dedicated peers.