Become a Mentor
Art education and mentorship have a proven, long-lasting impact on high school retention and graduation rates, college admissions, and future career success. Youth with mentors are 130% more likely to hold leadership positions. This is why providing young people with mentors is a core pillar of our program.
Free Arts offers mentors dedicated support through periodic check-ins, Youth Development and Program Logistics training, and facilitation of all group workshops. We provide a program curriculum to enhance mentorship, host an annual volunteer appreciation event, and share invitations to various art opportunities throughout the year.
"Seeing my mentee continually enjoy being creative and watching her evolve in her unique expression. It's been a rewarding and unforgettable experience!"
—Camile, Portfolio Develoment Mentor
Addie (right) has worked with her mentee, Chelsea, since 2021 in our Creative Lab Program
Creative Lab
Mentors provide comprehensive support by guiding mentees through building portfolios and college application materials, exploring career interests, the development of visual literacy skills, and the expansion of their networks. This includes assistance in creating works for college portfolios, supporting with college applications, crafting resumes, cover letters and applying for internships.
Program Dates & Commitments
Available November 2025 – June 2027 (Summers optional)
Monthly individual meetings with your mentee are required.
Occasional Saturday workshops located at various places around NYC
Maintain regular communication with your mentee between meetings
Submit online assessments after each meeting
Experience and enthusiasm for working with teens preferred (11th & 12th graders)
Interest in and ability to support college portfolio and application materials, career readiness skills, and visual literacy skills
Fine Arts background, creative practice, BFA/BA, or equivalent required
Recruitment Period: July through September 2025
Application Priority Deadline: September 1
Calaena with her mentor, Crystal
Portfolio Development
As a Portfolio Development mentor, inspire and guide a young artist in exploring their creative interests. Support them in crafting a visual portfolio, refining interview and audition skills, and serving as a positive role model. Together, you will share and strengthen your arts backgrounds, with your mentee applying to a specialized visual arts high school.
Program Dates & Commitments
Available October 2025 – June 2027 (Summer Optional)
Monthly individual meetings with your mentee are required
Occasional Saturday workshops located at various places around NYC
Maintain regular communication with your mentee between meetings
Submit online assessments after each meeting
Experience and enthusiasm for working with teens preferred (7th & 8th graders)
Interest in and ability to support high school portfolio readiness and visual literacy skills
Fine Arts background, creative practice, or BFA/BA or equivalent required
Recruitment Period: June through August 2025
Application Deadline: August 1
Our thoughtful interview process ensures that every student is paired 1:1 with a dedicated mentor who can connect to and support their interests. Ensuring a strong alignment with mentees’ creative goals is a vital aspect of our program’s success. Please understand that this rigorous matching process may result in a delay for some qualified mentor applicants to be matched.
Application Process
1. Submit an online application
2. Interview with a Free Arts staff member
3. Attend a program training workshop
4. Pass fingerprint & background check through IdentoGo
5. Attend our program kick-off and meet your mentee!