Mentor Program At A GlanceSHE-CAN matches a team of 5-6 mentors with high potential, low-income young women from Rwanda and Cambodia to personally help them on a journey toward becoming leaders in their home countries. Each mentor team collectively supports their scholar through the college application process, graduation and the launch of her career. This is a five-year commitment, and SHE-CAN staff supports mentor teams and scholars throughout every step of the process.
Each mentor team member chooses a specific role during the college application process and works with the scholar on that part of her application. Roles include Lead Mentor, Essay Lead, Common Application Lead, Financial Aid Lead, Documents Lead and School Selection Lead. Once the scholar is admitted to college with a full scholarship, the team becomes an advisory network and part of her emotional support system by offering encouragement, guidance and a network for introducing her to new people and experiences. SHE-CAN's mentor recruitment period begins in January and concludes in May. All Lead Mentors must sign on by March 15. Full teams are finalized by May 1. To declare your interest in becoming a mentor or for more information, please submit the online form below or reach out to us at: mentoring@shecan.global. 
“These young women are smart — they are capable — and what they need is you. You are their role models, you are their mentors and you are their inspiration."
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Financial Commitment
SHE-CAN provides need-based funding for all of our scholars to ensure that they will succeed in their college careers. We provide test prep courses and fund costs of visas, flights, dorm supplies, computers, and phones so that scholars will thrive on campus. SHE-CAN also provides workshops, orientations and leadership training each year. This investment allows SHE-CAN to present volunteers with a highly rewarding mentorship opportunity that will result in a transformative experience and lifelong relationship. In turn, the financial support from our mentors contributes to the sustainability of our organization. Each mentor contributes $1,000 a year for five years. This includes the year before the scholar is admitted to college and the four years thereafter for the duration of her undergraduate career. Donations can be covered through a company matching gift, and our Development Manager is happy to provide further details. |
The SHE-CAN Mentor Process:
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1. Help your Mentee Apply to U.S. Colleges and Universities
With guidance and training from SHE-CAN, mentor teams help their mentee choose the right colleges for her ability and career goals, and then guide her through the application and financial aid process. This includes help with forms and documents, essay writing, and teacher recommendations. |
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2. Help your Mentee Transition to the U.S.
Upon acceptance to a U.S. college and the award of a scholarship, SHE-CAN mentors turn to helping their scholar navigate the visa application process, obtain plane tickets and appropriate winter wardrobe and all the other things a girl needs to arrive at college ready to succeed. This also means that mentors are critical in helping SHE-CAN scholars acclimate to life here in the U.S. and successfully manage the inevitable culture shock. |
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3. Help your Mentee Thrive and Succeed
The success of our SHE-CAN scholars is ultimately up to them. But the role of our mentors and the academic, social and emotional support they provide – each step of the way – cannot be underestimated. Mentors provide advice and guidance in setting and reaching goals, navigating academics, budgeting, internships, study abroad, and leadership opportunities. SHE-CAN staff remains involved throughout the journey. In a sense, mentors become the scholar’s family here in the U.S., and many mentors invite scholars home for school breaks and visit periodically. |
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4. Help your Mentee Launch Her Career
Mentors also open up their extended networks to ensure their mentee has connections, internships and job opportunities. Navigating a career takes more than getting a job, so while the mentor role may officially end at graduation their mentee's need for career advice will not necessarily be finished. By then, you will likely be thrilled to have a front row seat in her success and be happy to stay involved by perhaps traveling to visit her at home, attending her wedding or inviting her to come back to the U.S. and stay periodically. With SHE-CAN, the relationships are not just about college - they can easily turn into lifelong friendships. |
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“A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult."
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“By reaching out to mentor a girl or young woman, you can change her life and put everyone’s future in good hands."
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