Frequently Asked Questions:
To participate in the 2025 NextGen Leadership Program, you must:
- Be either a current undergraduate, graduate, or law student (enrolled and actively attending classes) or a recent graduate (no earlier than 2023) of an accredited North American or South American college or university.
- Self-identify as an individual with any type of disability.
- Individuals that are not U.S. citizens are invited to participate in this program if you meet all 3 of the following criteria:
- Located in North or South America.
- Possess all proper and necessary work authorization documents for work in the United States and/or your desired country of employment.
- Fluent in both verbal and written English for the purposes of general business correspondence and communication with your mentor.
- What are the benefits in participating in the NextGen Leaders Program?
- Throughout the program, you’ll gain access to recruiters and leaders from Disability:IN corporate partners as well as NextGen Leaders to expand your network. You’ll learn how to use your disability as an asset in the corporate world. Overall, our program is a great opportunity to enhance your professional development skills and to gain personalized guidance in your industry.
- Will I get a job by participating in the NextGen Leaders Program?
- Potentially! The primary purpose of our initiative is to strengthen students’ professional skills and expand their network into the private sector. Some of the Disability:IN corporate partners host career mentoring days, job shadowing, and interviews just for NextGen Leaders. NextGen Leaders have had an average employment rate of 86%.
- Will I be able to connect to other students with disabilities in this program?
- Yes. We conduct virtual events and meetings so that all student participants can connect. You’ll also have opportunities to get to know each other through discussions led by NextGen Leaders staff.
- Do I have to have a disability to participate in the NextGen Leaders program?
- Yes.
- How long is the NextGen Leaders Program?
- The NextGen Leadership Program includes a six-month virtual mentorship with a Disability:IN corporate partner and will run from March 2025 – September 2025.
- What is the expected time commitment for Leaders?
- The expected time commitment is approximately 4 to 6 hours per month including mentorship, webinar participation, and group discussions.
- What does it cost to participate?
- NOTHING! Your time, attention, commitment, and enthusiasm are all that’s needed.
- Where can I get an accessible PDF about the Initiatives?
- Check out this year’s flyer about the NextGen Leaders Program.
- Can I stay in contact with my mentor after the program ends?
- Yes. Many of our NextGen Leaders have continued to stay in touch with their mentors after the program ends. We also encourage you to engage with the Disability:IN team as alumni.
- If I already have a mentor, should I still participate in the NextGen Leaders Program?
- Yes. It is beneficial to have multiple mentors throughout your career, and our program can connect you with a mentor who has knowledge about working in the private sector.
Alan S.
“Overall great program that changed my perspective on what is available for a person with a disability. Learning about how companies are becoming inclusive was important. Helped me with confidence and ability to advocate for myself in the future.”
Esau L.
“I can’t say thank you enough to Disability:IN for creating an invaluable experience for people who are often overlooked by providing mentorship, employment training, and employment opportunities. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”