Spring 2026 UXPA Mentorship Program
Apply by February 15, 2026
Spring cohort: March 2026 - May 2026
What It Is
UXPA International’s mentorship program is a four-month, structured program that connects experienced user experience (UX) professionals with students and early-career practitioners. Pairs are matched based on goals, areas of expertise, and interests of support practical growth, career guidance, and professional networking.
The program launched in spring 2019. The first cohort matched 111 mentees with 83 mentors and created long-lasting friendships that continued beyond the program. Since then, UXPA International has run cohorts annually, matching additional mentees with mentors each year. We look forward to welcoming you to the program.
How It Works
A simple four-step process:
– Apply: Submit your mentor or mentee application by February 15, 2026 (11:59 PM PT) and confirm your UXPA membership.
– Get matched: We pair participants based on goals and expertise; notifications go out in early March.
– Meet regularly: Start weekly in March, then every two weeks in April and May; pairs may adjust what works best. Typical meetings are 30-60 minutes.
– Wrap up: Complete the final survey, celebrate progress, and decide whether to continue informally.
Key Dates
– Application deadline: February 15, 2026
– Match notifications: First week of March 2026
– Program window: March 16, 2026 – May 15, 2026
– Feedback survey: Late May 2026
Completing a mentee application does not guarantee that you will be matched. In the event that we do not have enough mentors, you may be added to a waitlist for the next cohort.
– Application deadline: September 30, 2025
– Match notifications: First week of October 2025
– Program window: October 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
– Feedback survey: Late January 2026
Why Join?
For Mentors: Give back to the UX Community, strengthen coaching and leadership skills, and expand your professional network.
For Mentees: Learn from experienced practitioners, get personalized guidance on your goals, and build skills and confidence.
Who Can Apply?
– Mentees must be UXPA International members in good standing by February 15, 2026.
– Mentors should have at least 5 years of experience in the UX industry.
– Mentors should be able to commit to meeting with their mentee(s).
– We seek professionals with design, research, or content strategy experience.
FAQs
Here are some frequent questions we receive about the program from both mentors and mentees. Have a question you don’t see here? Email us at education@uxpa.org.
If you make a few attempts to connect with your mentor or mentee and don’t hear back, let us know and we’ll find you a new person to work with.
Yes! We understand that not all matches are perfect. If you feel that you and your mentor aren’t a good fit, let us know and we’ll match you with someone else.
Yes and many mentors do! As long as you have time to work with more than one, we are happy to match you with more than one mentee.
Of course! If you and your mentor are able, we would hope that you would continue to work together past the duration of the cohort.
Yes! You can join the program as long as you like. We don’t have any restrictions on how many times you can sign up.