At the Taco Bell Foundation (TBF), we live by the “beyond the check” mentality. While providing financial support to fuel pathways to higher education is an essential piece of what we do, that only scratches the surface of the Live Más Scholarship’s impact. Mentorship and connections are the secret sauce that truly help young people thrive as they pursue their passions.
According to the 2023 MENTOR study, 74% of those who had a meaningful mentor say that person contributed significantly to their later success in life. From one-on-one mentor partnerships through Live Más Mentoring to Live Más Scholarship alumni panels, TBF boasts a wealth of experienced scholars dedicated to sharing their support and knowledge.
Here’s why mentorship matters and how we’ve seen it transform the lives of Live Más Scholars:
Personalized Guidance and Support
- Think of a mentor as a personalized GPS for scholars. They help navigate the twists and turns of academic life, career decisions, and personal challenges. Curated mentor matching through our Live Más Mentoring program means scholars always have someone in their corner, with mentoring opportunities that are tailored to their career interests and goals. Plus, with resources including live and recorded webinars, scholars can gain valuable knowledge on their desired careers, tips on interviews and so much more.
Building Confidence and Self-Esteem
- A mentor is like a personal cheerleader, always ready to celebrate wins and provide positive reinforcement. This boost in self-confidence can be a gamechanger, especially for students who might feel overwhelmed during big life transitions, like heading off to college or graduate school.
Expanding Networks and Opportunities
- One of the greatest advantages of collaborating with someone who has walked a similar path is their ability to connect students towards valuable resources. Through the Taco Bell Foundation’s extensive network and Live Más Mentoring sessions, mentors can introduce scholars to influential contacts, leading to a variety of career-advancing opportunities – from micro-internships and fellowship programs to full and part-time jobs.
Offering a Listening Ear
- While career advice, interview prep and resume reviews are valuable mentor offerings, sometimes students just need someone who can listen. A great mentor listens attentively to provide guidance that helps scholars become the best version of themselves.
Fostering a Culture of Giving Back
- Mentors plant many seeds for their mentees, often including the desire to pay it forward. Once they recognize the impact their mentor has had on their lives, they are motivated to help others and continue spreading the Live Más Scholarship spirit.
The new class of Live Más Scholars will be revealed in just a few months, and we cannot wait to see how our current scholar community rallies to support them.
The Live Más Scholarship is open to students ages 16-26 who have a passion to create change. You can learn more at LiveMasScholarship.com.
The Taco Bell Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity. For more information visit www.tacobellfoundation.org