Earn to Learn’s Mentorship Program Kicks Off the 2024-2025 School Year with Its Biggest Numbers Yet 

With the new academic year afoot, our Mentorship Program is once again in full swing—this time with more mentors signed up than we’ve ever had in the history of the program. We launched this year with a record 153 volunteer mentors who are eager to meet with our students regularly to discuss interview etiquette, resume building, and other soft skills that are essential for them pursuing their dream job in their chosen career field. 

This year, we have the privilege of having three Earn to Learn alumni on the roster! Nayleth Ramirez, Laura Bolanos, and Gabriela Vindiola were all participants in our flagship Matched-Savings Scholarship Program, as well as former mentees of our Mentorship Program themselves! They have since gone on to land incredible positions within their chosen field. Read on to find out how they attribute much of their success to Earn to Learn’s programs! 

“When I was in college, I was an Earn to Learn student. As a first-generation, low-income student, financial aid was the major reason I was able to attend the University of Arizona. This was the best scholarship I had because it taught me how to become financially literate and how to save. I would love to mentor Earn to Learn students because I know what most are going through, and now that I have graduated from engineering, worked as a professional, and also obtained my master’s degree, I would love to be able to give back to this organization that did so much for me and hopefully be a source of inspiration and guidance for students.” -Nayleth Ramirez 

“As a former participant in the Earn to Learn Matched-Savings Scholarship Program, I have firsthand insight into its unique challenges and opportunities, enabling me to offer tailored guidance on maximizing such programs. Throughout my job search process, I gained valuable skills that would benefit an Earn to Learn student, including the significance of effective networking, tailoring a resume to highlight relevant experience, and balancing both behavioral and technical skill practice. Additionally, I learned the importance of maintaining an updated LinkedIn profile to leverage better opportunities and the value of continuous self-education beyond formal schooling. These experiences have equipped me with practical insights and strategies that I believe would be highly beneficial for an Earn to Learn student navigating their own career path.” -Laura Bolanos 

“I have the experience of being an Earn to Learn student, so I know what it is like to be in their shoes. I faced many obstacles, especially in undergrad, with navigating the college world. I had to learn to adapt and use my resources despite not having the same means as other students.” -Gabriela Vindiola