Mentor Matching Program
The APPAM Mentor Matching Program connects professional members with students as they begin their careers in the public policy and public management research. For mentees, this program provides a unique opportunity to learn from accomplished professionals. For mentors, it’s a chance to play a key role in the future of the field.
Each fall, APPAM facilitates matches between mentors and mentees based on shared preferences and encourage initial contact. But this is just a jumping off point. We hope that these relationships will serve both mentors and mentees over the course of the year and beyond. In many cases, APPAM’s Mentor Matching Program has led to connections that last throughout a career.
Mentees must be active APPAM student members, but membership is not required for professional or retired mentors.
Please see below for more information including instructions for Mentors and Mentees and tips to make the most out these relationships.
Mentor applications are now open! Apply to be a mentor below.
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"The APPAM Mentoring Program is an essential element of our mission to support the professional development of the next generation of policy researchers. I deeply value the professional​ connections that have emerged from the program and all that I have learned through participating as a mentor.”
- Scott Allard, University of Washington (Mentor)
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“Participating in the APPAM Mentoring Program was truly transformative as a scholar working at the intersection of economics and public policy. My mentor advised me on how to navigate critical research and career decisions clearly and confidently. The program connected me with a community of scholars who understand my challenges and celebrate my successes.”
-Salpy Kanimian, Rice University (Mentee)
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Dates to Remember
Mentor Applications Open: May 6, 2025
Mentor Applications Close: July 11, 2025
Mentee Applications Open: August 8, 2025
Mentee Applications Close: September 5, 2025
Mentor and Mentee Matching Assignments: September 2025
Virtual and In-Person Meet Ups: Fall 2025
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Mentors:
- Look out for APPAM’s Call for Mentors in May
- Apply to be a mentor by filling out the form and indicating your preferences by July 11
- Wait for APPAM to match you with a mentee by the end of September
- Expect to hear from your mentee in the week after they receive you as their match
- We encourage you to find a time to connect—virtually or in person—with your mentee shortly after hearing from them to discuss goals and expectations for the relationship. See more tips below!
- Find time to meet with your mentee in person at the APPAM Fall Research Conference. (Optional depending on conference attendance)
- Take the program survey to help us continuously improve the Mentor Matching experience
- Continue supporting your mentee throughout the year and beyond! There are no time limits on this program, and we hope it fosters long-term mentorship.
Mentees:
- Look out for APPAM’s Call for Mentees by August 8
- Apply to the program by filling out the form and using the Airtable to indicate your mentor preferences by September 5
- Once you’ve been matched, reach out to your mentor within a week to establish contact and find a time to meet
- Meet with your mentor virtually or in person throughout the fall
- If you’re both attending the Fall Research Conference, find a time to meet in person (Optional)
- Take the program survey to help us continuously improve the Mentor Matching experience
- Stay in touch with your mentor and continue building on your mentorship!
The mentor/mentee relationship can be structured in whatever manner best suits your needs and the skills of your mentor. As a mentee, please have an idea of what you want to gain from this program when you initially connect with your mentor. Here are some ideas to get you started, but this is by no means an exhaustive list.
- Job Document Review – Resume, teaching statement, lesson planning, and career/goal setting
- Research Guidance – Offers feedback on current research, identifies possible collaborators or datasets, reviews research strategies/statements/questions
- Overall Professional Development – Provide information on career options, interviewing tips, teaching strategies, and overall long-term career planning
- Fellowship Application Assistance – Assistance with preparing fellowship applications, budget, proposal, meeting requirements, and managing deadlines
Join us for a Speed Mentoring event this November at #2025APPAM! 
Across several 15-minute rounds, rotate from table to table learning from mentors at each step of the way. Table topics include: getting published, grant writing, academic careers, job document review, and more.
This is a separate event from the APPAM Mentor Matching program. Mentors participating in the APPAM Mentor Program are not required to attend the event but are encouraged to participate.
Stay tuned for registration and more information.
The best mentoring relationships are characterized by:
Honest, two-way exchange
Mutual positive regard and openness
For Mentors and Mentees:
- Establish goals for the mentoring relationship early on
- Maintain confidentiality to build trust and open communication
- Be flexible as career paths and interests may evolve during the mentorship
- Schedule regular check-ins, whether monthly or quarterly, to maintain momentum
- Acknowledge the end of the formal mentoring period and discuss potential continued communication
- Leverage APPAM resources and use APPAM conferences to workshop collaborative research
- Explore special issue opportunities in the Journal of Policy Analysis and Management
- Connect with other mentor-mentee pairs working on similar topics for broader collaboration
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For Mentees |
- Set clear expectations at the beginning about communication frequency, preferred methods, and availability
- Ask thoughtful questions about your mentee's career goals, research interests, and specific challenges they're facing
- Share your own journey, including obstacles you've overcome, and lessons learned along the way
- Provide constructive feedback on your mentee's work, presentations, or career decisions when appropriate
- Connect your mentee with relevant professional contacts in your network who might help advance their goals
- Be patient and encouraging, recognizing that professional development takes time
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- Come prepared to meetings with specific questions or topics you'd like to discuss
- Be respectful of your mentor's time by being punctual and focused during your interactions
- Follow through on suggestions or resources your mentor provides
- Share your progress and how you've implemented advice, which helps mentors see their impact
- Take initiative in scheduling meetings and maintaining communication
- Express gratitude for your mentor's guidance and support
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Questions? Email Michelle Avaroma, mavaroma@appam.org.