Applications are now open for the second cohort of the American Society of Baking (ASB)’s 2025 Mentoring Program.

The program, launched last year, aims to offer mentees guidance and support from experienced baking industry professionals, enhancing their growth and professional development, ASB stated.

Mentees and mentors will be algorithmically matched based on shared interests, values and goals.

The program runs for five months from June through November 2025. During this time mentors and mentees will connect at least monthly and are encouraged to meet in-person at industry events such as IDDBA 2025, held June 1-3 in New Orleans, and IBIE, held Sept. 14-17 in Las Vegas. 

The application deadline is May 14. 

Mentee and mentor applicants must be professional members of ASB. Mentor applicants must have at least three years of industry experience. 

Applicants will be notified of their matches by June 4. Mentees and mentors must complete an online training module prior to the start of the program. 

The program’s first cohort ran from Oct. 2024 to March 2025 and included 18 matches. This year’s cohort aims for up to 80 matches.  

“This program was a great learning experience for me and has helped me think outside the box in terms of career development,” said Erin Nese, first cohort mentee and principal technologist, technical service at Ingredion. “It's nice to have a fresh perspective from someone else in the industry.” 

The program is designed for all professional levels and aims to fill the industry’s knowledge gap, ASB stated. 

“Mentoring is key to industry workforce development, for both acquisition and retention,” said Kristen Spriggs, executive director of ASB. “With no current formal mentoring programs existing in the baking industry market, this program is an important component for developing and sustaining satisfying professional careers and advancing the future of baking.”

To apply for the program or for more information, click here.