FSL Professional Mentor Program
Professional mentors are APSU faculty and staff members—as well as professionals from the broader community—who are matched with FSL students when they reach their junior and senior years. Mentors are paired based on each student's major and meet with their mentee at least twice a month, submitting session reports to the FSL office and committing to the position for one full academic year.
Professional Mentor Services
Professional Mentors support FSL students in academic advisement, career readiness, and the transition to the workforce. They maintain regular contact with mentees—primarily through face-to-face meetings—at a minimum of twice per month. Mentors bring a successful track record of working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, strong interpersonal skills, and professional networking connections. They assist students with resume building, interview preparation, and identifying internship and volunteer opportunities. All Professional Mentors receive training and resources from the Learning Specialist Coordinator.
Professional Mentor Benefits
In addition to receiving a stipend, faculty, staff, and professional mentors find genuine reward in watching FSL participants develop into confident, capable colleagues. Working with FSL students often encourages mentors to stay current in their own field while deepening their understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Mentors can integrate that knowledge into their professional practice—and lasting friendships frequently form as students grow more socially independent and career-ready.
Mentee Benefits
Professional mentors help FSL students develop the competencies needed for career success: critical thinking, oral and written communication, teamwork and collaboration, leadership, professionalism, and career management. Students often gain early access to professional networks, job leads, and opportunities for leadership and engagement within their chosen field.