Creating the next generation of conservative leaders.

The Forge Mentorship Academy is a year long program offering experiential learning in national and international politics, training in argumentation and current events, an individualized mentor match, and connections to top internships and jobs. Designed to supplement full-time studies or employment, the Academy admits standout graduates of the Forge Leadership Summit.

Forge facilitates the Mentorship Academy through digital platforms, conference calls, mentoring relationships, and trips to Washington D.C. and Israel. Through this year of dynamic training, students create deep relationships with like-minded peers and mentors from around the country, building lasting networks for years to come. The Mentorship Academy features:

Argumentation and Current Events
Throughout the year, students:

  • Engage in moderated digital conversations as together they wrestle to apply the Judeo-Christian worldview to current events in culture, politics, and business.
  • Participate in monthly conference calls providing unique access to nationally renowned thought leaders and power players of the conservative movement.  

Gatherings
Students gather twice during their time in the Mentorship Academy:

Forge D.C.
Students encounter national policy and politics firsthand. During their five days in D.C., students interact with the political process from 360 degrees, meeting with Congressmen, staffers, advocacy groups, cultural leaders, think tank scholars, pastors, and journalists. Students discuss principles and process during intimate roundtables with leaders from the Heritage Foundation, Alliance Defending Freedom, Conservative Partnership Institute, and more. Evening activities include a majestic nighttime monument tour with a focus on the character and leadership of each Founder, and a private, after-hours tour of the U.S. Capitol led by Congressmen and their staffs.

Forge Israel
Students travel the Holy Land tracing roots of the Judeo-Christian faith, and studying the complex geopolitical realities of the Middle East. The 10-day guided trip is hosted by Passages. Students encounter the history of their ancient faith walking in the footsteps of Abraham, David, and Jesus, and taking excursions to familiar biblical locations including the Garden of Gethsemane, Mount of Olives, Dead Sea, and many more. Students also grow familiar with modern Israeli culture and government by hearing from rabbis, diplomats, ballistic experts, IDF soldiers, Israeli Parliament members, Arab and Israeli journalists and professors. This time in Israel leaves students with a better understanding of the geopolitical and security issues surrounding the history and future of the Middle East, and most importantly helps strengthen the foundations of their Christian faith.

Mentor Matches
This signature piece of the Forge Mentorship Academy matches each student with a high-caliber mentor of strong character and professional achievement. We believe this “friendship with a vision” fosters growth at every level–professional, personal, and spiritual.  Every mentor match is individually crafted to ensure student and mentor share vocational interests and aspirations. Throughout this unique mentoring relationship, mentors commit to a minimum of six conversations, leading discussions of four recommended resources, and inviting the student to one career shadowing experience.

Internship Placements and Career Services
Young adults often find themselves asking, “what comes next?” Throughout their time in the Forge Mentorship Academy, students ponder and pray over this question. Productive discussion with their mentor helps students begin to see the contours of their future. Forge staff then act as a catalyst for that vision, providing students with thoughtful career advice and practical guidance. Forge staff leverage their extensive networks to connect students with top internships and jobs. Forge staff identify and inform students of competitive placements, facilitate connections between students and prospective employers, and advocate for the selection of Forge Mentorship Academy students.

Joseph Backholm is Senior Fellow for Biblical Worldview and Strategic Engagement at Family Research Council. He combines extensive legal, political, and policy experience with a love for the way biblical truth cultivates human flourishing.