ICYMI: NextWave Network Preview Session
A look back at our preview sessions, what we shared, and how to apply for the fall cohort of the Be Different Foundation’s mentorship program.
Introduction
On August 1st, the Be Different Foundation hosted a preview informational webinar for the NextWave Network Mentorship Program, welcoming both higher education students and early-career professionals to learn more about the program. We shared key details about what participants can expect, walked through our application process, and hosted live mini-workshops for both mentors and mentees. Whether you missed it or want a quick refresh, here’s a recap of the session — and how you can still get involved.
Mentee Preview Recap
The preview session for mentees brought together college students eager to explore career pathways, build confidence, and find meaningful mentorship. We introduced the structure of the NextWave Network, highlighted our identity-based pairing approach, and outlined what mentees can expect across the 9-month program.
A key feature of the session was a goal-setting workshop focused on building SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. To support this, we unveiled the NextWave Network SMART Goal Dashboard, a downloadable tool participants can customize throughout the year. This dashboard helps mentees set one SMART goal per quarter and includes structured check-ins at 4, 6, and 8 weeks to encourage reflection, adjustment, and accountability.
Mentees also received tips on time management and quarterly planning. We encouraged participants to align their goals with key milestones—whether that’s landing an internship, building a LinkedIn presence, or establishing better routines to support well-being.
Mentor Preview Recap
Our mentor session welcomed early-career professionals interested in guiding the next generation of students. We emphasized that mentors don't need to have all the answers — they simply need to show up with intention, empathy, and a commitment to support growth through consistent engagement.
Attendees learned about the mentor experience, the timeline for training and matching, and our emphasis on mentorship as a space for mutual learning. We also facilitated a mini-workshop, "Entrepreneurship While Working Full-Time,"which covered how to build a personal brand, pursue side hustles, and balance passion projects alongside full-time responsibilities.
To support this journey, we introduced the NextWave Network Brand Template, a guided tool to help mentors and young professionals define or refine their personal or business brand. The template walks users through everything from articulating their purpose and audience to building a content strategy and setting short-term brand goals.
Join the Wave
Applications for the NextWave Network are open through August 31, 2025.
Whether you’re a college student looking for guidance or a young professional ready to give back, the NextWave Network is your opportunity to grow, connect, and thrive in a community designed to support your journey.
We can’t wait to welcome our first cohort this fall — and we hope you’ll be a part of it. Stay tuned, stay engaged, and get ready to make waves with the NextWave Network.
