What is Mentoring?

A mentoring relationship is a “reciprocal, dynamic relationship” (McGee & Keller, 2007, p. 316). It is a working alliance in which individuals work together over time to support the personal and professional [career and academic] growth, development, and success of the relational partner through the provision of career, [academic], and psychosocial support:  (NASEM, 2019, p. 37). 

ASPIRED Peer Mentoring Program               

The ASPIRE’s UM-Connect Peer Mentoring Program was designed for women and ethnic and racial minority individuals participating in STEM. The training promotes the development of STEM community; STEM self-efficacy; STEM identity; and cultural, relational, and mentoring competencies.  

In this experience, mentors and mentees complete a 4 week, 4 modules self-paced training followed by a mentoring experience. During the training, mentors and mentees will develop competencies to engage in an effective, culturally responsive mentoring relationship while improving  STEM self-efficacy and identity. Training modules are available through Canvas to mentors and mentees who are accepted into the program.

Contact Amanda Rockinson-Szapkiw at rcknsnsz@memphis.edu with any questions and for more information about the mentoring experience, including the training.

Apply Now!

Are you interested in being a mentor or mentee for the program? Apply now! Cohorts begin every Fall.

To be eligible you must:

• Be a STEM faculty who identifies as a woman in early, mid, or late career
• Have a desire to advance your career
• Be willing to complete an 8-hour virtual, self-paced training program spread over the rest of the semester and meet bi-monthly (F2F or online) during the academic year with a collective peer mentoring group 

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