Award and Scholarship Gala

Saturday, May 3 rd, 2025 AT 1:00PM

We will hold our Fifth Annual Gala and Award Luncheon at Fernandes II Steak House at 158 Fleming Avenue, Newark, NJ (Castello Hall).  We will be honoring and proudly recognizing our mentees' and community leaders' achievements and contributions.

Mentor U Connect is designed to equip young individuals like you with the skills, knowledge, and support to thrive personally and professionally. Through our four powerful pillars—Mentorship, Career Exploration, Well-Being, and Civic Engagement—we help you adapt, grow, and lead, ensuring you have the tools to succeed in every aspect of life. 

Event proceeds will benefit the MentorU Program/Activities and a portion of the evening’s proceeds will help fund the Computer Center at the Newark YMCA, empowering the next generation with access to technology and learning.

Donate

Interested in becoming a Sponsor?

Your contribution is tax-deductible. Please consider one of the sponsorship opportunities.

Platinum Level - $5,000 Sponsorship includes:

  • Opportunity to address participants during award ceremony

  • One Table Sponsorships - full page ad and name/logo prominently displayed.

  • Social media promotions (Facebook, Instagram)

  • Eight (8) complimentary tickets to MentorU Gala

  • Promotion in all of our MentorU Program/Activities

 Gold Level - $2,500 Sponsorship includes:

  • One (1) Table sponsorship – ½ page ad and name/logo prominently displayed.

  • Social media promotions (Facebook, Instagram)

  • Four (4) complimentary tickets MentorU Gala

  • Promotion in all of our MentorU Chats 

 Silver Level - $1,000 Sponsorship includes:

  • ¼  page ad and name/logo prominently displayed.

  • Social media promotions (Facebook, Instagram)

  • Two (2) complimentary tickets MentorU Gala

 Bronze Level - $500 Sponsorship includes:

  • Social media promotions (Facebook, Instagram)

  • One complimentary ticket MentorU Gala

Individual Tickets - $125.00 per person - Indiviudal Tickets

I will not be able to attend the event, but I will sponsor a mentee - $125.00

For sponsorship, you could pay by website (donate box), or a Check Payable to Mentor U Connect, 516 Highland Avenue, Newark, NJ 07104.

Reviewing our Success and Why Your Donation Matters:

•        Hosted Community Transformation Challenge @ NJIT, 10 teams showcased their ideas on Pitch Day.

•        Reaching Over 510 Students & Families: Delivered 12 impactful student development activities, including mentorship, career exploration, and well-being support.

•        Hosted 6 Career Exploration Chats for High School and Community Colleges with SHPE and NSBE.

•        Launched an AI survey to understand how students use AI during the college application process.

•        Youth Civic Engagement: Supported Newark's initiative allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in school board elections, offering resources in Spanish, Portuguese, and English to empower them.

•        Supporting Immigrant Families: Partnered with Casa to create a practical toolkit for immigrant students and their families.

•        Looking Ahead to 2025: We'll continue Mental Health Chats, launch the MentorU Podcast, expand Career Exploration Chats, plan a dynamic Youth Conference in the fall, and foster a Sense of Belonging through local community meet-and-greets.