Mentorship Program
One of the main factors contributing to the STEM gender disparity in Africa is the lack of mentorship for young African women.
At EFeMS, our mentorship program strategically connects female mentees to mentors to help them navigate their STEM journey. Mentees are paired with mentors based on similar interests, career paths, and life goals.
Our next mentorship cohort will commence Summer 2026.
"A mentor empowers a person to see a possible future, and believe it can be obtained.”
— Shawn Hitchcock
Mentorship Program Best Practices
Set SMART Goals
Set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) learning goals so that you can keep each other accountable during meetings. What do you want to learn? What outcome would you want out of the meeting? How are you able to contribute to your mentee’s success?
Set an Agenda
Set an agenda before the meeting on what you would like to discuss with your mentor. This helps the meeting to be more structured and sets the tone for what to discuss.
Take Notes
Take notes during the meeting so you can follow up after. Ask for homework and get feedback on it after.
Set Boundaries
Boundaries need to be established and kept during meetings. Be prepared to do the work to drive the relationship and make the most out of the time the mentor is giving you.
I am thrilled to have been part of the EFeMS mentorship program! The guidance and support I received from my mentor have been instrumental in my growth and development. The program's focus on personal growth, skill-building, and career path guidance, it has been exactly what I needed to take my skills to the next level.
I appreciate the personalized approach and flexibility of the program, which allowed me to tailor my experience to my needs and goals. The EFeMS community is truly special, and I feel grateful to be part of a network of like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference.
Thank you, EFeMS, for creating this incredible opportunity.