MESA Mentoring Program
The MESA Mentoring Program bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world STEM careers by connecting students with industry professionals who can provide guidance, insight, and support as they explore STEM careers and develop professional skills.
- For MESA Students, the MESA Mentoring Program provides career-path insights, academic planning support, and professional networking skills.
- For our mentors, the MESA Mentoring Program offers a meaningful way to volunteer expertise, give back, and develop leadership abilities
Using the Mentor Collective platform, the program thoughtfully pairs participants to ensure highly relevant, impactful mentoring relationships.
Goals:
- Build Meaningful Connections: Foster authentic, supportive relationships between students and STEM professionals to facilitate knowledge-sharing, career guidance, and mutual growth
- Expand Professional Networks: Enable students to leverage mentor networks for access to job opportunities, industry events, and career contacts
- Empower Underrepresented Talent: Provide mentorship that builds professional confidence, fosters a sense of belonging, and empowers students from historically underrepresented backgrounds to thrive in their careers
- Cultivate Community Investment: Build an engaged network of alumni, employers, and industry partners who are dedicated to supporting the next generation of STEM talent at Southwestern College
Interested in being a part of the MESA Mentoring Program?
Please submit the MESA Mentoring Program Interest Form.
Program Expectations
Mentor Expectations
- Complete Onboarding: Participate in a brief onboarding meeting to review program tools and resources
- Attend the kick-off event: Join us for the official program launch on Thursday, October 8, 2026 to meet your mentee
- Monthly Connections: Engage in at least one informal 30-60 minute meeting each month (virtual or in-person), with flexibility based on your professional schedule
- Mid-Semester Touchpoints: Participate in a brief, once-a-semester check-in with MESA Staff to share feedback and ensure you feel supported
- Supportive & Accessible Guidance: Serve as a reliable sounding board, sharing your industry insights and academic journey to guide your mentee
- Professionalism & Confidentiality: Maintain high professional standards and keep all mentee conversations confidential to foster a safe space for growth
- Log Interactions: Briefly log your monthly conversations in our user-friendly Mentor Collective platform so we can track partnership success
Mentee Expectations
- Complete Onboarding: Participate in a brief onboarding meeting to learn how to make the most of your mentorship
- Attend the Kick-Off Event: Join your mentor and peers at our official launch event on Thursday, October 8, 2026
- Monthly Connections: Engage in at least one informal 30–60 minute meeting each month (virtual or in-person), coordinating flexibly around your academic calendar
- Drive the Relationship: Take the initiative to schedule your monthly check-ins and come prepared with a brief agenda or a few questions in advance
- Professional Etiquette: Be punctual for all meetings, respond to communications within 24–48 hours, and show appreciation for your mentor’s voluntary time and expertise
- Mid-Semester Touchpoints: Participate in a brief, once-a-semester check-in with MESA Staff to let us know how your partnership is progressing
- Log Interactions: Briefly log your monthly conversations in our user-friendly Mentor Collective platform so we can track partnership success
MmP Program Timeline
| Dates | Activity |
|---|---|
| July 1 - August 31, 2026 | Mentor Recruitment |
| August 1 - Sept 25, 2026 | Mentee Recruitment |
| Sept 26 - Sept 30, 2026 | MESA Team reviews applications & matching occurs |
| October 1, 2026 | Match notifications sent out to all participants |
| October 8, 2026 | MESA Mentoring Program Kickoff |
| November 2026 | Mentorship Check-in with MESA Staff |
| February 2027 | Mentorship Check-in with MESA Staff |
| April 16, 2027 | STEM Industry Conference - Networking Mixer |
| May 2027 | End of the Year Celebration / Mentorship Thank you Event |