APS Mentorship Program: Fostering Global Connections and Professional Growth

Unlocking Potential: Bridging Minds, Building Futures in Psychological Science

The Inauguration of the 2026 Cohort: A Milestone for Global Collaboration

The APS Mentorship Program proudly announces the commencement of its 2026 cohort, bringing together 147 dedicated individuals. This year's program unites 60 mentors and 96 mentees from an impressive 25 different countries, spanning regions including Morocco, Poland, Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka, and Taiwan. This diverse representation underscores the program's commitment to fostering a truly international community within psychological science.

Tailored Connections: Matching Expertise with Aspirations

While some pairings consider major fields of study, the core philosophy of the Mentorship Program is to prioritize the unique needs and specific criteria of each participant. This personalized approach ensures that matches are based on shared professional interests, desires to cultivate particular skills, objectives related to securing funding, and other individual career aspirations. Ultimately, the program's design aims to construct a robust community dedicated to supporting the career progression of every participant.

A Structured Path to Success: Guided Mentorship and Continuous Support

Upon successful matching, participants engage in regular meetings over a six-month period. These interactions are guided by a mentorship agreement, collaboratively developed at the outset of the year, which outlines specific goals for both mentors and mentees. To enrich this experience, APS provides a wealth of resources, including insightful webinars, comprehensive discussion materials, and ongoing support, all designed to maximize the benefits of the mentorship journey.

Inspiring Journeys: Testimonials from Past Participants

Cristina López Rojas, a distinguished researcher at the University of Granada's Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center, shared her profound appreciation for the program. As a mentor in the 2025 cohort, she found the experience invaluable for both her professional and personal advancement. Rojas highlighted the program's capacity to offer leadership opportunities, foster independence, and enhance visibility for early-career researchers, emphasizing the inspiring collaboration with her mentee.

Empowering Mentees: A Foundation for Professional Belonging

Nainika Hira, a doctoral student from India at Pennsylvania State University, reflected on her transformative experience as a mentee. She credited the APS Mentorship Program with providing essential structure and accountability, alongside instilling a profound sense of hope and belief in her capabilities. Hira underscored how the constructive feedback, access to new opportunities, and the genuine warmth received made the mentorship a deeply meaningful and pivotal chapter in her professional trajectory.

Global Dialogue: Sharing Insights at the APS Annual Convention

Both Hira and Rojas contributed their valuable perspectives as panelists at the 2026 APS Annual Convention in Barcelona, Spain. During a session titled "Global Perspectives on Mentorship: Fostering International Growth in Psychological Science," they discussed their experiences within the cohort, the dynamics of mentorship across various career stages, strategies for supporting international students, and the critical importance of cultivating cross-cultural collaboration in the field of psychological science.