Trailblaze

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 (interest forms due Dec. 18, 2026)

TRAILBLAZE > Richmond is a focused, three-day mentorship experience for rising seniors, offered throughout the summer. Paired with alumni and parent professionals based on their career interests, students shadow mentors, observe day-to-day work, ask questions, and gain hands-on exposure to workplace challenges and collaboration. The experience helps students explore career possibilities and shape their university and career aspirations.

TRAILBLAZE - NEW YORK CITY

June 6-10, 2027 (applications due Oct. 16, 2026)

TRAILBLAZE > New York City is a five-day immersive experience for rising seniors, exposing students to a range of careers in partnership with Collegiate alumni. The program offers insight into the pace, workplace culture, and experience of living and working in New York City. Alumni workplace visits and personal journeys help students envision their own paths after graduation.

WATCH a recap of the week from a Collegiate student.

Student Summary

Mentor Interest Form

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