Mentee and mentor registration for the 2026-27 Mentorship Program Fall Cohort opened yesterday, August 17, 2026, on the Mentorship Program pageand will close on August 28, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CPT.
AVs and Designees certified as Equity Eligible Contractors (EECs), AVs designated as Small and Emerging Businesses, and/or businesses that are minority-owned, woman-owned, veteran-owned, or disability-owned are encouraged to register as mentees through the Mentee Registration form on the Mentorship Program page.
The Mentorship Program prepares mentees to participate and succeed in the Illinois Shines program via online courses and trainings on Program processes and requirements, and provides opportunities to network with other market stakeholders. Mentees are expected to attend eight 75-minute virtual trainings held on Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. CPT between September 23 and November 10, 2026, to complete four hours of online content throughout the cohort, and to attend a one-on-one check-in with the Program Administrator. Mentees are invited and encouraged, but not required, to attend an in-person networking event to be hosted on November 12, 2026.
The Mentorship Program is also seeking mentor applications, through the Mentor Registration form on the Mentorship Program page, from experienced AVs and Designees, including those certified as EECs, willing to share insights into Program and solar industry-related topics with mentees. Mentor Applications are open now through August 28, 2026. Mentors are expected to participate in panels and breakout sessions during a total of four assigned 75-minute virtual trainings across both cohorts. Two of the sessions will take place during the Fall Cohort (between September 23 and November 10) and two will take place during the Winter Cohort (between January 13 and March 3).
Mentors are also expected to complete a networking requirement, which requires meeting at least one of the following:
- Attend one of the in-person networking events on either November 12, 2026, or March 4, 2027, where mentors will have the opportunity to connect with mentees, fellow mentors, IPA and Program Administration staff, and other market stakeholders
- Attend at least three 45-minute mentor office hours following virtual trainings
Mentors who complete their participation requirements across both Fall and Winter Cohorts may be eligible for compensation reflective of the hours dedicated to the Mentorship Program. All mentor requirements will be outlined in the mentor application.
Please note that space is limited and both mentors and mentees will be selected on a first come, first served basis.
For questions about the Mentorship Program, please contact the EEC Sector Strategist at [email protected].
Thank you!
Illinois Shines Program
[email protected]