The main objective of Soft Landings is to assist recent graduates who are moving to a new location. This is accomplished by matching newly graduated Fellows with established Fellows already living in the area.
Mentors and mentees are free to develop their relationship as they see fit, tailoring it to their availability, communication styles, and unique transitional needs (e.g. identifying housing options, finding civic involvement opportunities, and exploring faith or worship options).
Matches for this program span the entire Fellows network, regardless of graduation year, because it focuses on locational knowlege, rather than professional development and advice.
Blackburn staff match graduating students in the Soft Landings Program using Blackburn Connect in the spring and summer after they transition from students to Fellows.
Previously graduated Fellows who are moving may also find Blackburn members in their new geographic location via Blackburn Connect or by emailing Kathryn Drago, the Coordinator of Alumni Programs, at kdrago@ua.edu or calling at (205) 348-2536.
