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The McCarthy Center Mentor Program

The Eugene J. McCarthy Center Mentor Program connects CSB and SJU students with professionals from diverse fields, creating valuable opportunities for mentorship and networking. Through activities such as informational interviews, job shadowing, and personalized feedback on résumés and cover letters, students gain deeper insight into building successful paths in political, personal, and professional spheres.

Apply now for the 2025-2026 McCarthy Mentor Program!

Apply to be a mentor

student application

Mentor Program Goals:

Gain Knowledge:

To improve knowledge in areas including, but not limited to:

Professional options and opportunities within and beyond the Bennie/Johnnie network.
Professional knowledge about applicable communication skills.
Personal development and pathways to success.

Gain Experience:

To gain experience in areas including, but not limited to:

Creating and building a professional network.
Written and oral communication.

Improve Skills:

To improve skills in areas including, but not limited, to:

Social media networking.
Interpersonal networking skills.
Self-advocacy.
Professional communication.
Cover letter writing and resume writing.

Opportunities arranged by the Mentor Program:

A speaker stands at a podium addressing an audience at the McCarthy Center. Behind the speaker is a large banner and a poster featuring a black-and-white image of a man. Several people are seated and listening attentively. The background shows a stone wall.

Polidazzle – An annual networking event for CSB/SJU students, alumni/ae, staff, faculty, and anyone interested in public policy and civic life each fall. This gathering allows students to connect with community leaders/professionals who share a passion for public policy and civic engagement. Please feel free to invite anyone who you think is interested. If you are interested in learning more about Polidazzle, please click on the heading above.

Campus Connections – On-campus meetings that are arranged by the McCarthy Center staff to offer students easy and convenient opportunities to connect with community leaders. If you are a Mentor interested in meeting with a small group of mentees on campus, please email [email protected].

State Community Leader Visits – At mentors’ convenience, the McCarthy Center staff will arrange transportation for small groups of students to visit with community leaders within the state of Minnesota. If you are a professional interested in offering one of these opportunities, please email [email protected].

People at a booth displaying buttons, snacks, and a T-shirt that reads "Your Vote Is Your Voice." They are smiling and appear to be promoting voter participation in a brightly lit indoor space.