Be a Mentor

Mentors are the lifeblood of NYC Salt. Drawn from all areas of the Visual Profession our mentors work one-on-one with our students and alumni throughout the student’s years at NYC Salt. It is a special relationship that is formed and fostered. There is no way to fully understand the bonds that can be had as a mentor and mentee. Be a part of a young person’s life and join us as a mentor.

What our High School Mentorship program is about:

You will be matched with a high-school student that is currently attending our Residency classes. Your role as a mentor is to check in regularly with the student, meet frequently to support with their assignments and overall with their learning experience through the program. There could be some involvement with the College Prep work if the student is either in junior or senior year, but mostly it is about encouraging the mentee to make use of our resources and opportunities, to be curious and proactive with what NYC Salt offers.

What our Alumni Mentorship Program is about:

We are looking for professionals in the creative industry to meet with our young photographers, graphic designers and illustrators to give them professional advice in taking their work to the next level and helping them navigate the next steps in their career. We are looking for a commitment of meeting at least once a month for a year to check in and look at work, talk about goals and give advice.

What are the requirements:

  • fill in the application, interview with the NYC Salt team followed by reference and background check;

  • your minimum commitment is of one school year with the goal to develop a supportive relationship with one student involved in studying the art of photography and preparing for a possible career in fine arts / communication / journalism;

  • meet with the mentee twice a month in person to review/edit/discuss the student’s assignment/work and progress;

  • check-in with the mentee once a week (by phone, text, email) to discuss overall well-being, performance at school, and at NYC Salt;

  • attend the Annual Show (usually in May/June)

  • attend three meetings during the year specifically designed to support mentors;

  • attend to one class at the beginning of the Program for a short introduction/presentation of your experience to the class.