Overview:

INSPIRE is a mentorship program that helps UMSL students build career readiness skills and prepare for life after graduation. Students are matched with faculty and staff mentors who provide guidance, support, and a trusted campus connection.

INSPIRE focuses on relationship building, career exploration, and connecting students to campus resources rather than intensive advising. The program also works in a layered mentorship model with iMentor, which supports student to student mentorship and helps facilitate communication and engagement.

Mission:

INSPIRE cultivates meaningful mentorship experiences between students and UMSL faculty and staff members that empower students to grow personally and professionally, preparing them to navigate their future with confidence!

Goals:

• To guide and support UMSL students in their academic and career goals
• To inspire students to achieve their educational and lifelong goals
• To increase student engagement, connectedness, and sense of belonging
• To aid in professional skillset building to prepare students for the workforce
• To connect iMentor student Mentors to Faculty and Staff Mentors 

How It Works:

• Faculty and Staff members at UMSL complete a matching survey with their interests and mentorship style
• Students who are interested in being mentored also complete a matching survey with their interests, career goals, and other pertinent information.
• The INSPIRE team then takes the surveys and matches students with a faculty or staff member who best aligns with their interests, career outlook, and overall goals. 
• The Mentor and Mentee are then introduced, and begin to meet monthly
• Between meetings, the student mentees attend monthly INSPIRE events, which are planned and executed to aid students in their professional development, social skills, and career readiness. These events are great conversation starters to have with their mentors. These conversations help students explore career paths, build professional skills, and gain insight from experienced campus professionals 

Informational Links and Matching Surveys for 2026-2027 Academic Year: 

• INSPIRE MENTOR Matching Survey AND Information Guide

• INSPIRE MENTEE Application Survey AND Information Guide

Fall 2026 Inspire Events

Event Name, Time, and Location

Event	Times, Time, and Location
	Goal Mapping Event Thursday, September 17th Location: Lucas 107 Time: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm Take time to map out your goals after graduation, plan your actionable steps towards a career, and create an inspiring art piece to take home while doing so!
	Self-Care Event with UMSL Counseling Services  Friday, October 16th Location: 107 Lucas Hall Time: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm Join iMentor, Inspire, and the Counseling Center in a one-of-a-kind self-care event designed to get you prepared mentally for the remainder of the semester. Take home a self-care goodie bag to continue your care at home!
	Budgeting in College with Community America Credit Union Monday, November 16th Location: 107 Lucas Hall Time: 4 pm - 5 pm Join iMentor, Inspire, and Community American Credit Union to learn about budgeting as a college student, managing money, and how to manage your earnings once you secure a job post-graduation.

For Questions or Contact, please email isabellaprincipe@slu.edu.