UW Criminal Justice Leadership & Mentorship Program
The University of Wisconsin Criminal Justice Leadership & Mentorship Program connects students with professionals in the criminal justice field to support career exploration, professional development, and networking. Through one-on-one mentorship, participants gain insight into career pathways, build professional skills, and develop meaningful connections.
Our program provides students with mentors from multiple agencies at the federal, state, and local levels and is the result of a unique collaboration between the UW-Madison Center for Law, Society, and Justice; UW-Platteville Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation; and Wisconsin Department of Justice – Division of Criminal Investigation.
To learn more about the program, contact Beth Tremelling at tremelling@uwplatt.edu or 608.342.1644.
Who Should Participate
This program is open to students who:
- Are interested in pursuing a career in the criminal legal system or a related field
- Are seeking guidance, professional insight, and networking opportunities
- Are committed to engaging in a meaningful mentoring relationship
What Participants Gain
Participants in the program will:
- Build a professional network within criminal justice
- Gain insight into career paths and workplace expectations
- Develop communication and professional skills
- Receive guidance on internships, graduate school, and employment
- Engage in structured and informal mentoring conversations
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Students interested in participating in the UW Criminal Justice Leadership & Mentorship Program are encouraged to complete an application. All applications will be carefully reviewed by program representatives. To ensure a high-quality and impactful mentorship experience, only 10 applicants will be selected and thoughtfully matched with experienced mentors. This limited cohort size allows for consistent check-ins, personalized guidance, and meaningful relationship-building, ensuring that each mentee receives the support, attention, and resources needed to grow academically, professionally, and personally within the criminal justice field.
Timeline
- Early July: Reach out to students for application
- Mid August: Application deadline/ Selection/matching
- End of August/early Sept: Zoom Kick-Off event
Student/Mentor Requirements-Expectations:
- Initial program kick-off event on Zoom
- Monthly contact with mentor
- Mid-Semester check-ins with mentoring program coordinator
- End of Year program event and evaluation
Mentor Role Description
Mentors provide guidance, share professional experiences, and support student development through:
- Career conversations and advice
- Professional insight into the field
- Encouragement and accountability
- Resume and interview guidance (optional)
Mission Statement: Our mission is to expand access to mentorship and professional opportunities in criminal justice, supporting students as they navigate academic, personal, and career development.
Vision Statement: We envision a supportive and connected criminal justice community where all students have access to mentorship, resources, and opportunities to succeed.