This National Volunteer Month, we’re excited to share our latest NFTE Nexus policy brief: Unlocking Student Potential Through Volunteerism: The Role of Diverse Mentorship in Strengthening Outcomes in Entrepreneurship Education. The brief explores how professional volunteers not only inspire students but also serve as critical bridges between classroom learning and real-world experience—boosting college enrollment, building confidence, and expanding career pathways.
With nearly 6,000 volunteers engaged in the 2024-2025 school year, NFTE continues to see firsthand how diverse, skills-based mentorship drives both student success and professional growth. You’ll read stories from leaders at UBS and Comerica Bank, as well as insights from longtime NFTE board member Patty Alper, whose Project-Based Mentoring model has redefined how volunteers engage in classrooms.
Whether you’re an educator, business leader, or policymaker, this brief offers actionable recommendations to expand access to meaningful mentorship and scale its impact through smart policy.