MentorNet Expands Program to All Science Engineering Students
MentorNet, a nonprofit organization that matches students majoring in engineering and science with volunteer mentors, is expanding its program to include any students in these fields, especially women and minorities.
Previously, only students who attended partner colleges, which were required to pay an annual fee, could participate.
MentorNet's goal is to help ready 30,000 mathematics, engineering, technology, and science graduates yearly for careers in the United States.
Through the program, students generate a profile and select professional interests on MentorNet's Web site. Then, the organization matches them with professional engineers and scientists at sponsor companies who share their experiences and provide career advice for approximately 15 minutes a week.
According to the organization, 52 percent of students in the program explore career opportunities at the mentor's company.
MentorNet's partners include Intel, AT&T, Naval Research Laboratory, Lockheed Martin Space Systems, and Tyco.
"The U.S. ranks 27th in the world in graduating new engineers and scientists. It needs an additional half a million grads in the next decade to catch up to a global economy driven by discovery and invention," said David Porush, MentorNet CEO. "Mentoring is incredibly effective at inspiring students to persist and enter the work force. We are determined to fill a critical national need by opening our program to any and all qualified college students."
For more information, visit mentornet.net. Companies interested in partnering with MentorNet on this program, can visit mentornet.net/corporate.aspx.
Colleges and universities interested in letting their students know about mentoring opportunities can go to mentornet.net/campus.aspx. For a list of campuses currently participating, check out mentornet.net/currentcampuses.aspx.
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Tim Sohn is a 10-year veteran of the news business, having served in capacities from reporter to editor-in-chief of a variety of publications including Web sites, daily and weekly newspapers, consumer and trade magazines, and wire services. He can be reached at [email protected] and followed on Twitter @editortim.