Questions? We've got answers!
What qualities are we seeking in a mentor?
- ManyMentors is seeking enthusiastic, insightful, and positive-minded university-level students and professionals with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) backgrounds and are passionate about aiding in the upward progression of individuals in STEM fields. In addition, mentors must:
- Be pursuing or hold a 2 or 4-year college degree (or have work experience) in a STEM field
- Have reliable and consistent access to the Internet
What are the time requirements?
- Depending on your level of interaction with your assigned mentee, mentoring can require as little as 15 minutes per week. Each week, you will receive a mentoring prompt to serve as a guide for discussions. For example, you may be informed of upcoming mid-terms and exams for your mentee, or simply be alerted of noteworthy, current STEM topics that could make for great, relevant conversation. Depending on your location, there may also be monthly opportunities to interact with your mentee in-person. We expect our mentors to be matched with students for one full school year with the option to continue into the next school year.
Do I have to attend a training session and undergo a background check?
- Yes. It is critical to ensure you are properly trained to provide guidance for your mentee. Our interactive training and background check programs are available online and in-person. They require 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete.
Who will be my mentee and how will I be matched?
- Depending on your application, you will be matched with a high school student or college-aged student who has expressed an interest in STEM, or is currently pursuing a degree in STEM.
- We will match you with a mentee based on your academic background, values, interests, preferences, and overall compatibility with a specific student.
How will I communicate with my mentee?
- You will use ManyMentors’ innovative online social platform to communicate with your mentee via inbox messaging, posts to their mentoring space, and if given permission, even incorporate 3rd party communication tools such as Skype.
What kind of support can I expect from ManyMentors once I get matched?
- ManyMentors will provide weekly prompts to encourage relevant discussion, materials for advanced mentor training, and quarterly check-ins from our Match Specialist to provide assistance and give feedback. Furthermore, the ManyMentors online platform will serve as a rich source of information about opportunities and interesting topics that can help guide your mentee towards reaching his or her goals.
How do I apply and how long until I’m matched?
- Visit www.manymentors.org and click “Apply Now” to submit an application! Your application will be reviewed by ManyMentors and if you are accepted, you will undergo training and a background check before being matched. The entire process takes approximately 4-6 weeks. In the event that more time is required to complete this process, ManyMentors will inform you in a timely manner.
Please contact us with additional questions!
