Question 1

Why Mentorship?

Accepted Answer

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Through mentorship, the Girls SySTEM Mentorship Program challenges the myth that some students are somehow less suited to work in STEM because of their gender identity.
 
In giving participants the opportunity to acquire first-hand knowledge of STEM early on in their academic careers, they build the confidence they need to pursue their passions in fields that often exclude them. This is especially important in late-elementary and high school when students are beginning to shape their beliefs.

Question 2

Why was the program designed?

Accepted Answer

The Girls SySTEM Mentorship Program provides resources for confidence building, which many young girls with an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) go without.
 
Alongside first-hand mentorship, we aim to provide students (Grades 7-12) with interactive workshops, program-exclusive speaker events, and early access to workplace opportunities and networking.

Question 3

What are the criteria to be eligible as a mentor?

Accepted Answer

We ask that all mentors have at least one year of professional experience in their STEM field. Those enrolled in graduate studies, professors and professionals in a STEM career are eligible to become a mentor. We also ask that you are able to commit at least 2 hours a month.

Question 4

What is involved in completing the Background Criminal Check?

Accepted Answer

We require all mentors to complete an online application and Background Criminal Record Check prior to acceptance into the Program. This may be completed online or in person at your local police station.

Question 5

What kind of topics are covered in the Mentorship Program?

Accepted Answer

The program covers all topics under Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). More specifically, astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, environmental science, health science, math/statistics, medicine, physics and psychology.

Question 6

How are mentees and mentors matched?

Accepted Answer

Mentors and mentees are matched on the basis of field of interest, academic and personal goal-setting, and overall hobbies and interests.
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Our mentees are late elementary and high school students (Grades 7-12). Our mentors are leading STEM professionals with years of workplace knowledge and experience.

Question 7

How will I know if I have been accepted as a mentor?

Accepted Answer

Once we have received your completed online application, we will be in touch through email to connect you directly with your mentee(s). In order to facilitate mentorship sessions and ensure that the experience is fruitful for all, we have created a Mentorship Handbook which outlines possible discussion topics, resources, and opportunities for you and your mentee to explore.

Question 8

How often are mentorship sessions to be held? What is the style of mentorship or teaching?

Accepted Answer

We recommend hosting mentorship sessions virtually for a total of 1 hour per month in your preferred style of teaching. This can be through video call - Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet.

Question 9

Are mentorship sessions held in-person or virtually?

Accepted Answer

We recommend and encourage virtual mentorship session because it's more effective but if both parties are comfortable with in person mentorship, we support it.  Our events teams will be hosting a few in person social events for each chapter throughout the year but they still host lots of virtual events so that everyone can attend.

Question 10

As a mentor, do I have the option of selecting my preferred duration of commitment? "

Accepted Answer

Mentors have the option of selecting a single academic term (Fall, Winter, Summer) or a year-long commitment.
 
Full year cohort is September-April. Fall cohort is September to December. Winter cohort is January to April.