Mentoring Program for Zaidi-STEM Students
Mentor a Student - Change a Life
We believe mentoring is a symbiotic relationship, where both the mentor and mentees, expand their knowledge base professionally and culturally. The core qualification of a mentor is to be a member of the STEM community who is willing to be open minded with a genuine concern for the academic growth and well-being of the mentees. In a mentor-mentee relationship, both individuals should play an active role in the development of the mentee, where the Mentor acts as a guide and or role model.
The Curriculum Foundation
Zaidi-STEM will provide a curriculum that will act as guide to the Mentors on topics to cover with the mentees. In our mission to foster and empower girls we will be covering a curriculum with topics ranging from self-awareness and discipline, life skills, competencies and exposing them to various academic and career options. This page serves as a guide and tool to equip mentors and mentee on with the, values and attitudes to the Zaidi-Mentoring fraternity.
The desired qualifications of a Mentor
- An individual working or studying in a STEM related or relevant field
- Thus said individual should be willing and able to spend time to the benefit of the mentees
- An open-minded individual willing to flex to cross cultural norms
- A person willing to identify and share their networks for the development of the mentees or and Zaidi fraternity
- A person willing to go beyond the curriculum to act as a source of relevant academic information for the mentee
Ground Rules for Mentoring
- Establish respectful relationship with mentee
- Listen and be open-minded
- Be clear and specific
- Do respect and explore cultural differences
- Assist the mentees in additional research to identify valuable resources, within reasons
- Act as a role model
- A mentor should focus on dreams and aspirations of Mentee, and not project personal goals
- Do not take up the role of a professional case manager
- Do not offer direct financial assistance to mentee
- Collect and share feedback, between mentor, mentees and the Zaidi board
Expectation for Mentee
- An enthusiasm for learning and exploring STEM fields
- Mentees are required to have respect both for mentors and other peers
- Mentee should communicate in advance if their availability changes, or there is a need to reschedule a session
- To actively participate and engage in their mentoring sessions
- To set aside time to complete mentoring related tasks
- Provide constructive feedback
- Suggest improvements