The Telemachus & Athena Mentoring Programmes 2027 from Global Thinkers Forum (GTF) pair mentees with thought leaders and social-impact focused individuals for eight months, starting in January 2027. Telemachus is for young people aged 18-29 from around the world, and Athena is for women aged 22 and above with no upper age limit. The application deadline is 23 November 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we read the official GTF pages and set out below who can apply, how the mentoring works and how to send your application.
Not an Erasmus+ or ESC Programme
⚠️ Important: these mentoring programmes are run by Global Thinkers Forum and are not part of the Erasmus+ or European Solidarity Corps (ESC) programmes. They are not a Youth Exchange, a Training Course or ESC volunteering.
💲 Fees: the official application and programme pages do not list any application fee or participation fee. Check the official pages if you want to confirm the current terms before you apply.
About Telemachus and Athena
🏢 Organiser: Global Thinkers Forum, a non-profit organisation based in London
🤝 Idea: the programmes connect mentees with thought leaders and social-impact focused individuals
🎯 Goal: to give each mentee a personalised development opportunity that addresses their individual learning needs
🌐 SDGs: the programmes contribute towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals
📍 Location: the official pages do not state a location or format for the mentoring
How the Eight-Month Mentoring Works
🗓️ Start and length: the programmes start in January every year and last eight months; during the year GTF may add a second cycle
🧩 Learning goals: over the eight months mentees develop new skills and expertise and broaden their professional and personal perspectives
🎯 Your own targets: mentees set their own objectives and targets and complete them with support from their mentors
🙋 Mentors: the mentor is volunteering their time and expertise in goodwill
Who Can Apply
🧑 Telemachus: young people between 18 and 29 from around the world
👩 Athena: women above the age of 22, with no age limit
🌍 Countries: the official text names no country restriction, so applications are open to people worldwide
🗣️ Language: a good, fluent command of English is expected
🎓 Priority: applicants who have completed a Bachelor's degree, or have equally relevant professional experience of at least 5 years, are prioritised
💪 Qualities: GTF expects motivation, commitment and critical thinking skills from all candidates
What GTF Expects From Mentees
🧠 Open mind: enter the mentoring relationship with an open mind
🗣️ Candour: be candid with your mentor
🔒 Confidentiality: the relationship and everything you share with your mentor remain confidential
⏱️ Respect for time: always be punctual and respectful of your mentor's time
👂 Feedback: avoid defensive reactions to feedback
🔭 Advice: it is meant to offer new perspectives, diversity of thought and skills building
📜 No qualification: the official text states that the programme is by no means a certificate, a qualification or a degree
🌱 Accountability: the programmes aim to nurture social impact and an understanding of the importance of accountability
How to Apply
Write a motivational letter explaining what you would like to achieve and what your aspirations are, and show a clear understanding of why you want to be mentored. Make sure the programme you want is open. You can send the letter by email with "Mentee Application" and the name of the mentoring programme in the subject line, or use the online Mentees Application form. The official FAQ says applicants may also be asked to complete a questionnaire. For help with the letter, see our guide on how to write a scholarship motivation letter.
Find more opportunities like this in the Others section on Youth Works Hub →.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Telemachus and Athena?
Telemachus is for young people aged 18-29 from around the world. Athena is for women above the age of 22, with no upper age limit.
When does the 2027 cycle start and how long is it?
The programmes commence in January and last eight months. GTF may add a second cycle during the year.
Who is prioritised?
Applicants with fluent English who have a Bachelor's degree or at least 5 years of equally relevant professional experience are prioritised.
Is the programme free?
The official application and programme pages do not mention any fee. The programme is not part of Erasmus+ or ESC.
Will I get a certificate?
No. The official text says the advice you receive is by no means a certificate, a qualification or a degree.
How do I apply?
Use the online Mentees Application form or send a motivational letter by email, with "Mentee Application" and the programme name in the subject line. The deadline is 23 November 2026.
Deadline
⏳ 23 November 2026
Links
🔗 Mentees Application form: https://globalthinkersmentors.org/mentees-application
📧 Application email: mentoring@globalthinkersforum.org
