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 of participating in the NextGen Leaders Program?
- Throughout the program, participants will gain opportunities to connect with recruiters and leaders from Disability:IN corporate partners as well as other NextGen Leaders to expand their network. Overall, our program is a great opportunity to enhance professional development skills and to gain personalized guidance in the participant’s industry.
- Will participants get a job through the NextGen Leaders Program?
- Potentially! The purpose of the program is to strengthen each participant’s 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 participants be able to connect to other students with disabilities in this program?
- Yes. Disability:IN conducts virtual events and meetings so that all student participants can connect. Participants can also get to know each other through discussions led by NextGen Leaders staff.
- Do participants have to have a disability to participate in the NextGen Leaders program?
- Yes.
- How long is the NextGen Leaders Program?
- The NextGen Leaders Program includes a six-month virtual mentorship with a Disability:IN corporate partner and runs from March through September each year.
- 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. Time, attention, commitment, and enthusiasm are all that’s needed.
- Can participants stay in contact with their mentor after the program ends?
- Yes. Many NextGen Leaders have continued to stay in touch with their mentors after the program ends.
- If participants already have a mentor, should they still participate in the NextGen Leaders Program?
- Yes. It is beneficial to have multiple mentors and the NextGen Leaders program can connect participants with a mentor who has experience 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.”