Mayor’s Mentor Up Winter Gala 2026 invites local professionals to connect with and mentor Rochester youth

Rochester, New York – Local professionals are being invited to share their experience with young people through the 2026 Mayor’s Mentor Up Winter Gala, with applications now open for those interested in serving as mentors.

Mayor Malik D. Evans announced the opportunity as part of the Mayor’s Mentor Up program, an initiative designed to create lasting connections between community role models and Rochester youth. Professionals who want to participate can submit applications through Wednesday, Nov. 4, using the city’s Mentor Up website.

The Winter Gala is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12, and is sponsored by Spectrum Networks.

The Mentor Up program focuses on bringing professionals together with city youth between the ages of 14 and 18. Through those connections, young people have a chance to meet adults from different professional backgrounds, hear about their experiences and learn more about possible education and career paths.

“Every mentorship connection opens doors to real opportunities for our youth—inspiration, internships, and even future careers,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “I encourage all local professionals to apply. Investing an evening of your time to connect with our young people can yield immeasurable value for both mentors and mentees as they learn from each other’s perspectives, accomplishments, and aspirations.”

This year’s gala will take place at The Inn on Broadway, bringing mentors and young participants together with community partners in a setting intended to be both formal and enjoyable.

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Organizers say the event gives teenagers an opportunity to practice skills that can become important as they move toward higher education and employment. Participants can network with other young people while also meeting professionals and community leaders.

The conversations that begin during the gala could develop into longer-term mentor-mentee relationships. They could also help young participants learn about internships and potential career opportunities that they might not otherwise encounter.

Rather than relying solely on structured meetings, the event is designed to allow relationships to develop naturally. Young people can ask questions, discuss their goals and hear directly from professionals about their accomplishments and experiences. Mentors, in turn, have an opportunity to learn about the interests, ambitions and perspectives of a younger generation.

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Previous Mentor Up events have attracted more than 100 mentors and mentees, demonstrating the program’s ability to bring together people from across the community.

The 2026 Winter Gala will continue that approach by creating a space where teenagers can expand their networks and professionals can provide guidance based on their own experiences.

With applications now underway, Evans is encouraging professionals from the Rochester community to consider participating. The goal is not only to provide young people with advice for one evening, but also to create connections that could continue well beyond the gala and potentially play a role in their future education and careers.