Sign up to be part of YP Next Up program for the 2026-2027 Academic Year!

YP Next Up is a program of the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce Young Professional Dubuque for future young professionals currently enrolled at a local college or university. This organization caters exclusively to students of all grade levels enrolled in higher education looking to make local connections and plan for life after graduation.

• Mentee applications are available for students to sign up. Once the applications close we will work to pair up the mentors/mentees.

The YP Next Up Mentorship Program is a program that matches students with young professionals. This high-quality, high-impact mentoring program uses a unique approach to guide communication between mentor and student through an interactive and personalized program.

• Join us on Mon., October 19th for our YP Next Up Kickoff for Fall 2026! Open to future mentees and mentors! This networking event is for college students and mentors and will provide the program outline and expectations. All area college students are eligible to attend. We'll have pizza and check in at 6:30 pm and then 'Networking Bingo' at 7 pm to start making connections. We are pleased to be hosted at University of Dubuque for this event.
• Attending the YP Next Up Kickoff is a great way to meet other engaged college students and also potential mentors. On your application, you can list mentors by name that you meet and wish to be paired with.

By providing professional, networking, and social opportunities for future young professionals, YP Next Up is creating a more vibrant and connected community. Thousands of college graduates have gone on to achieve great success within their respective fields and the ability to connect with these young professionals can create new opportunities, connections, and experiences.

• Mentor applications are available for area professionals to sign up. Once the applications close we will work to pair up the mentors/mentees.

YP NEXT UP MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Young Professionals of Dubuque is proud to be one of the organizations receiving a 2026 DRA Core Grant to enhance and expand our YPD mentorship program! #WithDRA

The YP Dubuque committee is now accepting applications for YP Next Up Mentorship Program 2026-2027 Academic Year. All applications received will be reviewed and you will be contacted with additional information about the start date, meeting times, expectations, etc.

To sign up to be a Mentor, please click HERE.

To sign up to be a Mentee, please click HERE.

WHAT IS A MENTOR?
A mentor is a guide. A friend. A resource that paves the way to success and derives satisfaction from helping others succeed. Your role as a mentor is to inspire, encourage, and support your mentee, and to contribute to their professional and personal development.

As a mentor, you are asked to make a minimal investment of time but it will have wonderful results for students. We ask mentors to meet with their mentees throughout the course of the Academic Year, along with two in-person professional development events.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

• All mentors must have a willingness to give back and make an impact by providing mentoring support to one of our local college students.
• Meet with your mentee over the course of the academic year, in person or virtual
• Attend mentor-mentee meet-ups hosted by the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce and Young Professionals of Dubuque

LEARN MORE ABOUT YP NEXT UP
Let us know if you have any questions about YP Next Up Mentorship Program and we'll get connected with you! 

Thank you to the DRA for their grant supporting our initiative to engage our local college students with young professionals in our business community.

YP NEXT UP EXPECTATIONS & GENERAL PRACTICES

• Mentor/Mentee face-to-face meetings must be held in public places.

  • Recommend for first meeting to be in-person; follow up meetings can be virtual if needed.

• Best practice recommendation is to schedule 2 meetings per semester outside of large group YP Next Up events.

• Communications and meetings must take place during business hours (8 am – 5 pm) unless agreed upon by both mentor and mentee.

• Attendance at the kick-off and term end events are highly encouraged.

• These meetings are meant to be for professional development. Topics, attire, all communications should reflect that theme.

• This program is mentee led; mentees are asked to initiate meetings with their mentors. Mentors may contact mentee if they don’t hear from them.

• If issues of any kind arise, please contact the Chamber immediately, Justine, VP, Events & Programs, jehlers@dubuquechamber.com