MPSA 2026-2027 Academic Year Mentoring Program
The MPSA Academic Year Mentoring Program connects emerging political science scholars with experienced mentors to foster professional growth, research excellence, and career development. Running the course of the 2026-2027 academic year, this program pairs mentees—ranging from graduate students to junior faculty and PhDs in non-academic roles—with mentors who provide tailored guidance in a supportive remote format.
Apply Today for the 2026-2027 MPSA Mentoring Program!
The Midwest Political Science Association (MPSA) invites applications for the 2026-2027 Academic Year Mentoring Program. This year, we’ve welcomed over 60 exceptional mentors from diverse political science subfields, institutions across a dozen countries, and expertise in both academic and non-academic career paths. Several mentors are current or former deans with extensive experience in higher education administration, eager to work with faculty members who are on the tenure track or considering administrative roles. Whether you’re a graduate student, junior or mid-career faculty, or exploring new paths, there’s a mentor for you.
Purpose of the Program
The goal of the MPSA Academic Year Mentoring Program is to empower mentees to achieve their professional and academic aspirations by providing personalized mentorship. Mentors will help mentees navigate challenges such as publishing their research, securing funding, preparing for the job market, navigating the tenure track, or transitioning into alt-academic or non-academic careers. Through one-on-one interactions overt the course of the academic year, mentors will share their own experiences and offer insights, feedback, and encouragement to build mentees’ confidence and skills. The program is also intended to foster lasting professional relationships that strengthen the political science community.
Why Join?
This program empowers mentees to achieve their professional and academic goals through personalized guidance over the course of the academic year via remote sessions. Mentors will help you navigate challenges like improving and publishing your research, securing funding, preparing to go on the job market, preparing for tenure review, building a professional network, growing your public profile, or making a career transition. Build lasting skills, confidence, and connections within the political science community.
Who Can Apply?
Open to MPSA members: junior faculty, contingent faculty, postdoctoral scholars, Ph.D.s in non-academic roles, and graduate students (especially those nearing dissertation completion). Not a member? Join today to apply.
How to Apply
- Review the 2026-27 mentor profiles and select two preferred mentors. (Please note that the MPSA will attempt to accommodate your request, but cannot guarantee that you will be matched with your preferred mentor. Additionally, some mentors are only available to work with mentees at certain career stages; please make sure to verify a mentor’s availability in their profile before requesting to be paired with them).
- Submit your application by September 20, 2026.
Timeline
Accepted mentees will be notified in late September 2026 with mentor contact details and CVs.
Questions? Contact mpsainfo@mpsanet.org. Apply today—don’t miss this opportunity!
See what previous participants have to say about the MPSA Mentoring Program:
“This is a really great program for scholars in an early academic career, especially those who lack mentoring support within their own department or school.”
“I had an amazing experience in this program! My mentor was truly caring, inspiring, and insightful. I definitely plan to stay in touch in the future, and I am grateful to the MPSA Mentoring Program for giving us the opportunity to connect.”
“In the past three years I have tried other mentoring programs, but my life changed completely when I was matched with my MPSA mentor. We truly became friends – he is kind, passionate, and helped me to manage my job market stress while guiding me along the way. I feel lucky and I believe he is one of the best mentors out there.”
“Excellent program. The mentorship agreement was helpful in setting expectations and timeframes for meetings. My mentor was extremely helpful and I am thankful for the opportunity and ongoing professional connection.”
“This was a great mentoring partnership where I found a colleague, advisor, and friend. Thank you!”
“The MPSA Mentoring Program is an excellent idea. It matched me with a scholar who has been invaluable in my academic job search, providing timely advice and useful tips.”
“This is a very valuable program. This is the second time I’ve participated and both times have been very useful for my development.”
MPSA Mentoring Reception (Small Group Mentoring) at the Annual Conference
The 2026 Mentoring Reception will be held during the 83rd Annual MPSA Conference on Friday, April 24 from 7:00 – 8:00 PM at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, IL
(In-Person Participation Only)
The MPSA Mentoring Reception provides an opportunity for junior conference attendees to meet with accomplished faculty, PhDs, and non-academic professionals over refreshments in a small group setting during the annual conference.
Please note, you must be registered for the in-person conference to participate; there will not be an option to participate virtually. Please review your conference schedule before you RSVP for the Mentoring Reception. There will be no on-site signups for this event, so must RSVP ahead of time.
The 2026 MPSA Mentoring Reception is currently at full capacity, and the RSVP window has closed.
