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, and are encouraged 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.