A newly created program designed to match Villanova student-athletes with professional mentors in their chosen fields of study was announced this week and will officially launch during the Spring 2019 semester. Known as the Villanova Athletics Student-Athlete Mentor Program, the new initiative will provide current student-athletes with an opportunity to learn first-hand perspectives about the industries that align with their professional interests and desired career paths. The mentorship program is the result of a collaborative effort between the Office of Academic Support for Athletics, Student-Athlete Development and the Villanova Athletic Fund, and will include an extensive network of former student-athletes, trusted alumni, parents and friends of Villanova Athletics."When our student-athletes come to Villanova they are joining a community that is committed to caring for one another not only for their four years on campus, but for a lifetime," Director of Athleticssaid. "Wildcat student-athletes are faced with the demands of competing in Division I athletics while performing at an elite academic level that is on par with top students across the country. All the while they still must prepare for the next steps in their personal and professional lives, and the road can sometimes be difficult. Through a well-networked and supportive group, we hope to provide the mentoring support necessary to help our student-athletes navigate their lifelong journeys. I can think of no better resource to call on than to rely on those who understand what life is like as a student-athlete on our campus and who have gone on to have unparalleled success in their personal and professional careers."Rising sophomore student-athletes will be eligible to apply for the mentor program during the second semester of their freshman year. Matches will be made by the end of summer 2019, with an official kickoff in fall 2019. Mentors will have at least three years of professional work experience in their current industry and will make at least a one-year commitment to the mentorship program.The primary mission of the Student-Athlete Mentor Program is to initiate and develop relationships between current Villanova student-athletes and professionals from a wide array of industries. These connections provide student-athletes guidance and direction pertaining to their current and future personal goals, as well as with professional development opportunities tied to their career aspirations. Mentors will offer expertise and professional advice that will help current student-athletes navigate their life beyond Villanova.Participating in the program will help the mentors hone their leadership and professional skills, while also expanding their own professional networks. The goal is for the established mentor and mentee relationship to continue beyond the one-year requirement. The lasting connection between student-athletes and their mentors will also foster meaningful engagement with Villanova Athletics in hopes of creating a stronger 'Nova Nation.'The Student-Athlete Mentor Program will have a dedicated home on Villanova.com when it kicks off in the spring. The mentorship program website will house mentor and mentee applications, with matches to be made based on similarity of answers within the applications. Additional information on the application process will be announced in the coming months prior the launch of the program.For additional information or questions on the Student-Athlete Mentor Program, contact athleticsmentoring@villanova.edu