More women than ever before are pursuing education in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). However, studies show that women in STEM are still not advancing at the same rate as their male counterparts and also women are exiting the STEM industry in a greater number than men. Mentorship is a great and successful means of engaging, motivating and developing girls and young women.

STEM Girls Initiatives under the umbrella of AGE Network invites application for the 1^st cohort of its mentoring program, STEM GIRL 2 STEM WOMAN. An online mentoring program for STEM Girls with opportunity for girls interested in STEM to access one on one career and educational support and counseling from women working in the fields of STEM.

 The 6 months program aimed at providing support in relation to both academic and life skills and also referring them to other support services when appropriate.

There will be:

• Information and subject matter transfer.
• Psychosocial benefits i.e. self-esteem & confidence-building.

Interaction of mentor and mentee will take place on a members‐only online platform via an internal email system, chat and a learning app. On agreement, mentees and mentors will exchange information with one another for at least an hour each week for the 6 months. In addition to mentee–mentor interaction, the platform will also enable networking with other program participants. The mentoring is free for the girls and the mentors are volunteers.

The matching of mentors and mentees is on the basis of STEM interests and hobbies.

WHAT DO YOU STAND TO GAIN?

As a Mentor:

Becoming a mentor can enrich your life on a personal and professional level by helping you do the following:

• Build your leadership skills – It helps you develop your ability to motivate and encourage others. This can help you become a better manager, employee, and team member.
• Improve your communication skills – Because your mentee may come from a different background or environment, the two of you may not "speak the same language." This may force you to find a way to communicate more effectively as you navigate your way through the mentoring relationship.
• Learn new perspectives – By working with someone less experienced and from a different background, you can gain a fresh perspective on things and learn a new way of thinking – which can help in your work life as well as your personal life.
• Advance your career – Refining your leadership skills can strengthen your on-the-job performance, perhaps helping you get that promotion to higher management – or into management in the first place. Showing that you've helped others learn and grow is becoming more and more essential to advancement in today's business world.
• Gain personal satisfaction – It can be very personally fulfilling to know that you've directly contributed to someone's growth and development. Seeing your mentee succeed as result of your input is a reward in itself.
• Letter of commendation: At the end of 6 months commitment, an e-certificate will be available to acknowledge your huge role in mentoring our girls in achieving their dreams.

As a Mentee:

A trusted mentor can help you do the following:

• Gain valuable advice – Mentors can offer valuable insight into what it takes to get ahead. They can be your guide and "sounding board" for ideas, helping you decide on the best course of action in difficult situations. You may learn shortcuts that help you work more effectively and avoid "reinventing the wheel."
• Develop your knowledge and skills – They can help you identify the skills and expertise you need to succeed. They may teach you what you need to know, or advise you on where to go for the information you need.
• Improve your communication skills – Just like your mentor, you may also learn to communicate more effectively, which can further help you in your career path.
• Learn new perspectives – Again, you can learn new ways of thinking from your mentor, just as your mentor can learn from you.
• Build your network – Your mentor can offer an opportunity meet new people.
• Advance your career – A mentor helps you stay focused and on track in your career through advice, skills development, networking, and so on.

ELIGIBILITY

Mentor:

1. Must be a woman in STEM with at least 2 years of professional experience in her field.
2. Must be willing to commit to the mentor program for a period of 6 months. 
3. Can mentor at least one person within 6 months.

Mentee:

1. Candidates should identify as girls.
2. Must be flexible and committed to self-improvement.
3. Candidates must be accountable and willing to commit to the 6-month mentorship period.
4. Must be a participant of our STEM Girls talk show.
5. Must be between the age brackets 11 – 18 years.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

There will be training for both mentors and mentees before commencement of the Program.