MentorNet Affiliated Partner Programs—Creating Opportunities

Over the last two years, MentorNet has launched two Affiliated Partner Programs for professional societies and similar nonprofit membership and trade organizations, creating opportunities for both MentorNet and these partners to benefit from each organization's respective expertise. Currently, seven organizations are active Affiliated Partners, including the Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA), Marine Technology Society, National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals (NOGLSTP), Sigma Xi, Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), Society of Women Engineers (SWE), and Women in Engineering Programs & Advocates Network (WEPAN).

What's It About?

The MentorNet Affiliated Partners and Affiliated Partners Plus programs give professional societies and other nonprofit organizations access to MentorNet's award-winning e-mentoring programs. The general Affiliated Partners Program includes an exchange of mutually beneficial services agreed on by MentorNet and the Affiliated Partner, but no exchange of funds. Engineering and scientific societies can also provide their student members with access to MentorNet's One-on-One Programs through the Affiliated Partners Plus Program for an annual fee. Benefits to becoming an Affiliated Partner include:

• An opportunity to engage current and future professional members in a tested, high-quality mentoring program
• Visibility within a targeted community of engineers and scientists, nearly 60 percent of whom are college/university students
• Recognition for supporting the advancement of diversity in engineering and science
• Acknowledgment on MentorNet's website and in associated collateral
• Networking opportunities with corporations, colleges and universities, government labs and agencies, and other nonprofit organizations

Why It Makes Sense

MentorNet's current Affiliated Partners share a common bond—they want the best for their constituents, to support them in developing technical talent wherever it may be found, and to ensure a strong workforce of scientists, engineers, and other technical professionals in their respective areas.

For SWE, it's all about their student members. "We want to provide our students with the opportunity to find mentors that match their interests," explains Betty Shanahan, Executive Director at SWE, "and MentorNet has a solid infrastructure in place for doing just that. Moreover, we hope that seeing our student members participating as protégés will encourage more of our professional members to become mentors."

Providing encouragement to students and members new to the field, promoting professionalism, and increasing member retention are a few of the reasons A&WMA partnered with MentorNet. "The strength of A&WMA is our members," declares Adrianne Carolla, Executive Director at A&WMA. "Relationships form through networking and mentoring, creating a sense of community that fosters the sharing of ideas amongst members. These intellectual exchanges between colleagues result in creative solutions to the environmental challenges we face."

NOGLSTP was looking to take its mentoring program for LGBT students, post-doctoral students, and early career professionals live, and MentorNet's expansive, online mentoring program offered an excellent opportunity to do so. "Many factors played into our decision to partner with MentorNet," explains Dr. Amy Ross, Mentoring Program Coordinator for NOGLSTP. "Besides MentorNet's strong presence and solid reputation in online mentoring programs, it simply made sense for our two organizations to complement each other's approach and logistics versus going it alone. Many of the issues facing women and ethnic minority scientists and technical professionals are remarkably similar to those faced by LGBT individuals. We're very excited about the partnership!"

Sigma Xi wanted to offer its more experienced members the opportunity to become mentors. According to Dr. Patrick D. Sculley, Executive Director, "We hope to connect scientists and engineers, so that more experienced practitioners can pass on lessons learned to the younger members of our community—no matter where they're located. That's the power of the Internet, and we want to tap that power to encourage supportive companionship among researchers everywhere and at every level of training."

Are You Ready for More?

There's a wealth of additional information on MentorNet's Affiliated Partner Programs as well as other useful content for professional societies on our web site, including:

• Program overview, including benefits specific to the two programs
• Partner representative responsibilities and opportunities
• Recruiting ideas and materials
• Participating partners list
• Local matching guidance

MentorNet is actively engaging with prospective Affiliated Partners. If you're interested or would like more detailed information:

• Complete a short inquiry form, and we'll contact you within 48 hours
• Contact Carol Muller, CEO, directly