Applications are due September 26, 2025 at 11:59 pm PST. You can apply by clicking here or the button below.

For the 2025-2026 Themtorship cohort, we are selecting 10 Themtees.

We use themtor in replacement of 'mentor' to show inclusion of trans, nonbinary, genderqueer, and all other marginalized genders. Our organization particularly uses this spelling to separate ourselves from exclusionary 'mentorship' programs.

Students admitted into the program must commit to the following:

• Attend and participate monthly virtual trainings with the Themtorship cohort

• Attend and participate monthly virtual one-on-one check-ins with themtors

• Attend and participate in two in-person convenings scheduled in October 2025 and April 2026

• Attend and participate in monthly virtual one-to-one check-ins with program directors

• Complete requested surveys and updates pertaining to your progress in the program

• Hold continuous communication with program directors, your themtor, and the cohort through the duration of the program

The San Joaquin Valley consists of San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and Kern counties (see image above). If your school or college is located in any of these counties, you meet our geographic requirement!

Our selection criteria is based on identity and need, admitting students who would most benefit from the program. Axing oppressive markers of success (e.g. GPAs), our requirements are as follows:

• Must be enrolled in a high school, charter school, G.E.D school, continuation school or community college in the San Joaquin Valley during the 2025-2026 academic year

• Must be applying to an undergraduate university during the 2026 application cycle

• Must identify as a first-generation, undocumented, and/or Black student

In addition, we are looking for ambitious students who are eager to apply to a multitude of universities and who are not only committed to the program, but also their college futures!

Unfortunately, no. This program is designed and reserved for Black, undocumented, and first-generation students in the Central Valley.

The Themtorship Program was founded with the understanding that students with these identities have to face oppression on a social, cultural, and systemic level. Our work and services are designed to dismantle these oppressions as students work towards applying to an undergraduate university.

Yes! Specifically community college students in the San Joaquin Valley and who will be applying to an undergraduate university during the fall 2026 application cycle.

If you are not set to transfer to an undergraduate university by fall 2026, you do not qualify for our Themtorship Program.

For purposes of this program, we define a first-generation college student as someone whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) did not complete a Bachelor's degree in the United States.

For purposes of this program, an undocumented student is an individual who is a non-citizen of the United States. This includes, and is not limited to, undocumented immigrants, refugees, asylees, and individuals under temporary protected status.

An undergraduate university is a college in which you can receive a Bachelor's degree. Common examples include:

• Universities of California (UCs)

• California State Universities (CSUs)

• Private universities (e.g. Fresno Pacific)

• Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs)

• Ivy League Colleges

A community college (e.g. Fresno City College, Reedley College, Porterville College) is not an undergraduate university as you can only receive an Associate's degree.

Students receive all program materials in October 2025. However, the $500 scholarship will not be awarded until students complete the program in April 2026.

All applicants will be notified in regards to the status of their application by late September 2025.