The Ladder is a mentoring program that connects Black and Latine innovators with community and resources for career acceleration. Learn more about The Ladder and Chicago Innovation at: https://chicagoinnovation.com/programs/the-ladder/

If you have additional questions, please email lauraj@chicagoinnovation.com.

The deadline to apply is the end of day Thursday, April 20. This cohort will run from July - December 2023. We recommend that Mentors and Mentees connect for 8-10 hours of one-on-one mentoring over the course of 6 months. Mentees also have access to monthly cohort events, as well as many Chicago Innovation and i.c. stars events across the year.

This application is free. If accepted into the program, there is a $300 enrollment fee. Scholarships are available - see question 16 to apply for a scholarship. 

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* 1. First Name

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* 2. Last Name

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* 3. Pronouns

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* 4. Please use this section to describe your race and ethnicity. The Ladder is a program for Black and Latine innovators. This information will also help us track demographics across programs internally.

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* 5. Preferred Email Address

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* 6. Preferred Phone Number

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* 7. Job Title

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* 8. Company Name

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* 9. Personal Website/LinkedIn/Twitter

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* 10. Were you referred by a program sponsor? If yes, please select the sponsor from the dropdown menu. If no, please select "no, I did not receive a referral"

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* 11. What is a measurable goal(s) that you would like to reach during the six-month program? (Please be as specific as possible, e.g. learning how to network by attending events, practice pitching a new business, I would like to change industries by the end of the year)

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* 12. Which of the following are goals you would like to accomplish through participation in the program?

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* 13. How would you like to communicate with your mentor?

  Yes No
Video or Phone Call
In Person

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* 14. If you can meet in person, what areas would be the most ideal/easiest for you to meet with a Mentor? (e.g., downtown, western suburbs, north side, etc.)

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* 15. If you have any additional comments that would add to your application or help clarify anything written above, you can add them here:

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* 16. We have a limited number of need-based scholarships available for those who otherwise would not be able to pay the $300 enrollment fee. If you are interested in learning more, please click the box below and provide as much information as possible.

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