Aspirations in Computing Begins Paired Mentorship Program with iAAMCS

Do you want a mentor, or want to become one? The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Aspirations in Computing (AiC) program is excited to invite members of the AiC Community to join our new paired mentorship program with the Institute for African-American Mentoring in Computer Science (iAAMCS). Community members are encouraged to sign up as a mentee, a mentor, or both by end of day on May 12, 2023.

To Start: Take the Mentor Matching Survey​

To learn more, review the information on the flyer below. 

Image description: Digital image of the front side of a flyer about the National Center for Women & IT (NCWIT) Aspirations in Computing (AiC) partnership with the Institute for African-American Mentoring in Computing Sciences (iAAMCS). Text includes logos for ncwit.org | Aspirations in Computing and iAAMCS, and reads: "Paired mentoring program; Do you need a mentor? Are you an undergraduate or graduate student in a computing program? Do you need encouragement to optimize opportunities inside and outside of school? Or perhaps you could use helpful tips on navigating academia, internships, and options after graduation. Please consider joining us for the Paired Mentoring Program and explore how to use your time in school wisely.

Do you want to be a mentor? Are you a graduate student who participates (or has participated) in iAAMCS activities and wants to mentor undergraduate and graduate students? Would you like to use your experience to help give back to the iAAMCS community? Are you a computing faculty member or a person in the tech industry who can share your journey? Mentees need your insight, advice, guidance, and support to diversify the computing pathway. Please consider becoming a mentor for the Paired Mentoring Program to help someone coming along behind you to find their way." The bottom, right-hand corner also features an arrow pointing to the edge of the document inside a circle above the text: "See key facts."

Image description: Digital image of the back side of a flyer about the National Center for Women & IT (NCWIT) Aspirations in Computing (AiC) mentoring partnership program with the Institute for African-American Mentoring in Computing Sciences (iAAMCS) featuring a QR code. Text includes logos for ncwit.org | Aspirations in Computing and iAAMCS, and reads: "Paired mentoring program; Kickoff - June 9, 2023; Virtual quarterly meetups begin in July; All are welcome to participate in the entire program or a one-time drop-in during a quarterly meetup. This program provides culturally responsive 1-on-1 and group mentoring that empowers mentees to pursue their careers with confidence. Sign up deadline is May 12. Mentor Matching Survey: https://forms.office.com/r/5CcmNsWY35 ; FAQ: Can a graduate student be both a mentor and a mentee? A: Yes! Please check both boxes.

90% of young adults with a mentor are interested in becoming one in the future¹. 6x; Mentors are 6x more likely to be promoted compared to their coworkers². 97% of individuals with a mentor feel they are highly impactful and valuable³.

Aspirations in Computing (AiC) changes what’s possible for women, genderqueer, and nonbinary people in technology by offering the kind of encouragement that conquers isolation, builds in long-term motivation, opens doors—and changes lives. In this new partnership with the Institute for African-American Mentoring in Computing Sciences, college students receive mentorship and support at all stages of their college careers.

¹youthmentor.org/thestats

²forbes.com/sites/lisaquast/2011/10/31/how-becoming-a-mentor-can-boost-your-career

³nationalmentoringday.org/facts-and-statistics"