ATD Greater Atlanta
Mentorship Program
What is the ATD Atlanta Mentorship Program?
The ATD Greater Atlanta Mentorship Program is a structured, cohort-based professional development journey designed to bridge the gap between emerging practitioners and industry leaders.
The fastest way to grow as a talent development professional isn’t through a textbook; it’s through a high-level conversation. This isn't just about monthly coffee chats; it is a laboratory where Atlanta’s people-builders meet to solve real-world problems in real time.
Important Milestones (2026 Dates)
The ATD Atlanta Mentorship Program operates on a fast-paced selection cycle to ensure high-quality pairings.
Participant Applications Open January 19 through February 16
Selection Interviews February 24 through February 28
Acceptance Notifications March 7
Mentor/Mentee Pairings Announced March 28
Who is this program for?
We select participants based on their commitment to the ATD Capability Model™ and their readiness for professional growth.
The Mentees: You are an early-to-mid career professional in HR, L&D, or Instructional Design. You are hungry for feedback, ready for stretch assignments, and looking for a guide to help you navigate the next turn in your career path.
The Mentors: You are a senior leader or subject-matter expert who has "been there." You are ready to model excellence, share strategic perspectives, and help a developing pro see what is possible.
Important: Our Senior Leader Mentor Preview Mixer is happening February 17 at Total Wine (Akers Mill). If you are considering becoming a mentor, join the team to see how the program works.
The 2026 Roadmap: Four "Anchor Moments"
Our curriculum is built around four high-energy, in-person sessions held in the Metro Atlanta area. These "Anchor Moments" allow the entire cohort to learn, challenge each other, and celebrate wins as a unified group. Our 2026 facilitators include industry veterans like Neil Dowdell.
These four in-person sessions are open to the broader ATD community.
Mentorship Program participants attend for free using the code provided when you join the program; ATD members can attend each session for $25/person, and non-members can attend for $40/person
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Kickoff & Orientation + DiSC Workshop
Date: April 6, 2026
Facilitator: Cornelius “Neil” Dowdell
Covers:
Program overview and expectations
Mentor/mentee meet-and-greet
Cohort connection activities
Live DiSC workshop to deepen self-awareness and communication style understanding
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Check-In Session 1 – Learning Lab & Engagement
Date: June 1, 2026
Structured learning experience
Reflective and interactive activities
Time for mentees and mentors to connect in person
Open networking with ATD members and guests
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Check-In Session 2 – Leadership Practice & Collaboration
Date: August 3, 2026
Leadership-focused learning module
Applied activities and cohort collaboration
Tools for accountability, reflection, and growth
Networking with the broader ATD community
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Capstone Celebration & Showcase
Date: October 5, 2026
Mentees share insights and capstone work
Recognition of mentors, mentees, and supporters
Networking across ATD, sponsors, and partners
Celebration of the 2026 cohort’s journey and impact
Partner With Us
The 2026 program is co-designed and supported by The Best Workplace (TBW) and Nelius Strategy (NSSS). Want to put your brand in front of these rising leaders?
Learning Session Partner ($750): Be the featured sponsor for one of our four major in-person events. Includes logo placement, opening remarks, and a chance to share resources.
Session Supporter ($350): Perfect for consultants or small businesses. Includes digital recognition and the chance to provide a door prize or raffle item.
Ready to help build the next generation of Atlanta leaders? Reach out to us at scholarships@atdatlanta.org (or your designated partnership contact) to secure your spot.