“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” Benjamin Franklin

Mentorship plays an important role in scholarship provided by NED Scholars. We try to link every scholarship recipient with a senior professional, who acts as a mentor. By definition, a mentor is a more experienced (typically older) professional in a field who offers career guidance, advice, and assistance from a real-world point-of-view. The person in receipt of mentorship is usually referred to as a protégé (male), a protégée (female).

A good mentor is wise and willing to share his or her knowledge and experiences in order to help the protégé/ protégée succeed. It’s like having a wonderful trusted ally to go to whenever you’re feeling unsure or in need of support.

We at NED Scholars help all our scholarship recipients to set and achieve career goals, help in coping with academic frustration, make smart business decisions, help in resume and mock interviews, overcome workplace challenges, learn new skills by simply offering an outside perspective.

NED Scholars contributors and alumni, if you are interested in becoming a mentor, please get in touch with us. We’ll match you with a student within your knowledge area.

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Why Become a Mentor?

Mentoring isn’t just about giving back—it’s an opportunity to:

✅ Make a real impact on a student’s life.
✅ Develop leadership and coaching skills.
✅ Gain personal fulfillment through meaningful connections.
✅ Strengthen your network within the STEM community.

If you have a degree from NED University or another STEM institution, you can become a mentor and help shape the future of STEM.

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Mentor Responsibilities

🔹 Monthly Check-Ins: Mentors must have at least one monthly contact with their mentee.
🔹 Build Trust: Mentees may be shy about opening up. Mentors should build a personal relationship to encourage open communication.
🔹 Guide and Support: Help mentees navigate academic, social, and emotional challenges.
🔹 Assign Tasks: Give mentees small assignments to check if they are absorbing guidance.
🔹 Report Progress Annually: Submit a progress report on your mentee once a year.
🔹 Escalate Concerns: If a mentee needs psychiatric support, special training, or financial aid, mentors should inform the NED Scholars administration. Our volunteer psychiatrists and resources are available to assist.

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Best Practices for Mentorship

✔ Be a Role Model: Demonstrate ethical behavior, professionalism, and patience.
✔ Encourage Open Communication: Make mentees feel comfortable discussing challenges.
✔ Respect Boundaries: Maintain a professional, respectful, and ethical mentor-mentee relationship.
✔ Be Consistent & Committed: Follow through on your commitments.
✔ Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge your mentee’s progress and boost their confidence.

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Best Practices for Ethical Mentorship

🔹 Confidentiality: Respect mentees’ privacy but report any major concerns to NED Scholars.
🔹 Respect & Sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural and religious differences.
🔹 Appropriate Communication: Keep interactions professional and focused on mentoring goals.
🔹 Encourage Independence: Help mentees think critically and make their own decisions.

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What Makes a Great Mentor-Mentee Relationship?

✅ Trust & Mutual Respect
✅ Open & Honest Communication
✅ Shared Goals for Growth
✅ Commitment & Consistency

A great mentor empowers their mentee to think independently, make informed decisions, and build confidence in their abilities.

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For Mentees:

How to Get the Most from Your Mentor

🌟 Take Initiative: Be proactive in reaching out to your mentor.
🌟 Be Open & Honest: Share your struggles and seek guidance.
🌟 Ask Questions: Take advantage of your mentor’s knowledge and experience.
🌟 Follow Through: Complete tasks assigned by your mentor to show commitment.
🌟 Respect & Learn: Value the time and effort your mentor invests in you.

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Join the NED Scholars Mentorship Program!

Are you ready to mentor a future STEM leader? Apply today and be part of a life-changing journey.

🔹 Mentors: [Apply here and attach your resume admin@nedscholars.org] or complete the Mentorship Form (This form is not for Students).

Let’s build futures, strengthen communities, and transform lives—one mentor-mentee relationship at a time!

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MENTORS Resources: