Reverse mentorship: both generations teach

VillageCore runs a six-week mentorship program built on a two-way exchange. Younger mentors share technical fluency, older mentors share judgement and experience, and both leave with something they did not have before.

How the program runs

Participants are matched with subject-matter experts and meet over six weeks to develop in-demand skills. Sessions focus on practical progress rather than abstract advice.

Because mentorship runs in both directions, the older participant is not treated as a recipient of help and the younger one is not treated as free technical support.

Joining a cohort

Cohorts run on a schedule with limited places. Graduates of InterGen Innovators often continue here as mentors.

What mentors and mentees get

Mentees leave with specific, in-demand skills and a working relationship with someone who has done the job. Mentors report the less obvious benefit: explaining your work to someone from a different generation forces you to understand it better yourself.

Pairs meet over the six weeks with a structure to follow, so nobody has to invent the agenda each session.

Who should apply

Older adults with professional experience to share, students and early-career people with technical fluency, and anyone who wants the exchange to run both ways rather than one.

Explore more of VillageCore

• InterGen Innovators
• skill-building tracks in AI and AR
• the graduate community

Frequently asked questions

How long is the mentorship program?

Six weeks, with guidance from subject-matter experts.

What makes it reverse mentorship?

Skills move in both directions. Younger mentors share technology fluency while older mentors share professional and life experience.

Sources and further reading

• World Health Organization: social isolation and loneliness

VillageCore is a nonprofit uniting generations to innovate and thrive. Contact info@villagecore.org.