The mentoring component is central to the LEEAD model, with most Scholars rating the relationship with their Mentor as valuable to their experience. Many Mentors have had positive experiences and have served as Mentors for multiple cohorts.

Expectations for LEEAD Mentors

• Meet regularly with the Scholar throughout the Program. Suggested frequency is a monthly meeting, connecting via phone, email, or video chat (or in person). 
• Provide guidance and feedback on the Scholar’s Practicum Site experience, such as negotiating evaluation contracts. 
• Attend two in-person meetings:
  • The LEEAD Symposium – to kick off the program experience (Travel will be reimbursed for the LEEAD Symposium).
  • The Culmination Ceremony – to formally conclude the Program. The culmination event will coincide with the 2026 American Evaluation Association (AEA) Conference (Mentors are expected to contribute to their travel costs).
• Foster a genuine, trust-based relationship through consistent engagement, active listening, and authentic interaction. 
• Create a brave space where the Scholar feels comfortable sharing challenges, aspirations, and uncertainties. 
• Bolster networking skills and connections in the evaluation field. Participate in regular check-ins with the ETB Team to provide feedback on the experience. 
• Engage in a community of practice to build connections with other Mentors. 
• Participate in regular check-ins with the ETB Team to provide feedback on the experience. 
• Complete evaluation surveys to provide feedback on the LEEAD model and experience.

How Are Mentors Selected?

Both Scholars and Mentors complete an assessment, which is used to match a complementary mentor-mentee pair. The matching process is based on a number of factors including personal background, research interests, mentoring needs and approach, work settings, geographic location, and other priorities identified by Scholars. One-to-one matches are made based on opportunities for strong connections. Thus, Mentors are selected based on the cohort’s overall characteristics and career interests. Mentor applicants will receive their assessment after the application deadline. After the matching process, applicants will receive notification of their status (selected as a Mentor this cohort; not selected as a Mentor) in July 2025.

Ready to Apply?

Review Eligibility

LEEAD is seeking applicants with 10+ years of experience in evaluation, especially culturally responsive and equitable evaluation. Because of ETB’s mission to disrupt the current state of the evaluation field, which has suppressed the perspectives and voices of marginalized evaluators, ETB encourages applicants from Indigenous and racially/ethnically diverse communities who have been and/or are presently marginalized in the United States.

Other eligibility criteria include:

• Current residence and eligibility to work in the United States.
• Commitment to justice and equity.
• Ability to participate in virtual collaborative spaces, such as video conferencing and online networks.

Review Application Questions Prior to Submission

To prepare for the application, ETB encourages applicants to download and review the questions and prepare responses offline in advance, prior to submission of the online application. Download the PDF application here.

Apply Online

Applications are due by 5:00 pm ET on Friday, May 16, 2025. Please ensure you have read about becoming a Mentor before applying. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at team@expandingthebench.org.