A mentor who actually knows your work, for a year, not an hour.
The YPL mentorship program pairs every featured leader with a senior practitioner working in the same field, a real, long-form working relationship, not a one-off chat.
How it actually works.
Hand-matched, not assigned
Every pairing is curated by people who've spoken to both sides, same field, compatible energy.
Real work, not advice
Mentors help shape the project, drafting strategy, opening doors, reviewing pitches, co-writing grants.
12+ months minimum
No 30-minute office hours. Long enough to ship something together, and stay friends after.
Senior practitioners
Climate scientists, conservationists, founders, journalists, policy directors. People who do the work daily.
A mentor who actually knows your work, for a year, not an hour.
We pair every YPL leader with a senior practitioner working in the same field, climate science, policy, conservation, storytelling, business. No generic career advice.
Matched, not assigned
Every pairing is hand-made, by people who actually know both sides.
Real work, not advice
Mentors help shape the project, drafting strategy, opening doors, reviewing pitches.
12+ months minimum
No 30-minute office hours. Long enough to ship something together.
Common questions.
Who is this for?+
YPL Featured Leaders aged 16–26 who already have a project on the ground and want a senior partner to build it further.
How are mentors matched?+
By hand. Our team interviews both sides and proposes a pairing only when there's overlap in field, geography and working style.
What's the time commitment?+
Mentors and leaders meet twice a month minimum, for at least 12 months. Most pairs continue informally well beyond the first year.
Is there a cost?+
No. Mentorship is free for accepted YPL leaders. Mentors give their time pro bono.