A mentor group pairing working designers with students from the two community college programs in the valley. Pairs meet monthly on their own and the whole group meets here every other month to do portfolio reviews together. Mentors commit to a full academic year, which is deliberately a real commitment rather than a coffee and a business card. Students get a portfolio that is actually ready and, more importantly, someone to ask what a rate should be. We currently have fourteen pairs and a waiting list of students. Mentors do not need to be senior, and second year designers often relate better than a creative director. Applications for both sides open in August.