Trailblaze

Alumni showing students different fabric types

Mentoring the Next Generation

The Trailblaze program is a hallmark of Collegiate’s commitment to fostering lifelong connections within our Cougar community. This initiative, typically held in June, pairs Richmond and New York City area Collegiate alumni with current rising Senior students to provide mentorship, career insights, and real-world advice. By sharing their experiences and expertise, alumni play a vital role in guiding students as they explore potential career paths and prepare for their futures. Trailblaze creates a bridge between generations of Cougars, ensuring that the Collegiate spirit of support and camaraderie extends well beyond graduation.

Alumni demonstrating their work to student

BENEFITS FOR MENTORS
Introduce a new generation to career opportunities in your field. Spark student interest in your field and support Collegiate School by generously giving your time. Demonstrate the importance of developing and honing key skills essential to the workplace. Reflect on your work, field, and key skills. Gain valuable mentoring experience and renewed enthusiasm for your work by listening to the ideas and thoughts of the next generation.
BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS
Apply skills and knowledge learned in the classroom in a work environment. Actively participate in a workplace that requires career-appropriate dress, punctuality, clear communication, and a rhythm that takes into account many moving parts, projects, and people. Observe workplace colleague collaboration in real time, solving real problems.
POTENTIAL TRAILBLAZE CAREER PATHWAYS
Architecture and Engineering Art Education Entrepreneurship Hospitality Law Medicine/Health Care Marketing and Communications Nonprofit/Public Service Real Estate Technology

Trailblaze - Richmond

June-August 2027

Mentorship will last 3 days, determined by the mentor and students schedule.

Trailblaze - New york city

Anticipated to be June 2027

In 2026, the Trailblaze program expanded to New York City, giving students the opportunity to spend a week meeting Collegiate alumni and exploring a wide range of careers. By connecting with graduates in their workplaces and hearing their unique journeys, students gained a deeper understanding of the opportunities ahead and began envisioning their own paths after graduation.

WATCH a recap of the week from a Collegiate student.

Student Summary

STUDENT INTEREST FORM

Mentor Interest Form

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