Minnesota MentorNet
Minnesota MentorNet: A Statewide E-Mentoring Partnership
At a time when educators, researchers, and business leaders across the country are calling for increased investment in science research and improvements in math and science education, Minnesota stands at the crossroad of strengthening industries and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) while striving to offer superior educational opportunities for a changing population. Although women in the state now earn more degrees than men in all levels of education, they continue to be underrepresented in STEM fields. Students of color, particularly African-Americans, comprise the vast majority of new entrants in higher education in Minnesota.
Minnesota’s future economic prosperity, likewise, continues to grow more dependent on innovations in STEM. Between 2002 and 2012, while the overall number of Minnesota jobs is expected to increase by just under 15%, those in computer and mathematical occupations will increase by 33%. Workers with advanced technical skills are being heavily recruited by manufacturing companies within the state in order to keep up with a wave of retirements.
Imagine providing an opportunity for every Minnesota community college, undergraduate, and graduate student, postdoc and early career faculty member in STEM fields to connect with a large-scale, international network of science and technology professionals working in industry, government and higher education via email.
Imagine that such an initiative would engage corporations, colleges and universities, professional societies, foundations, and government throughout Minnesota together in an effort to foster the full participation of women and people of color in science and engineering.
MentorNet®, the award-winning, nonprofit e-mentoring organization founded in 1997 to address the retention and success of women and others underrepresented in engineering and science, invites you to help shape such an opportunity for the state of Minnesota. Minnesota MentorNet will be the first state-wide effort of its kind and would create an exemplary model for other states to consider. Backed by a planning grant from the 3M Foundation, we invite you to join us in developing this exciting endeavor.
Minnesota MentorNet strives to vastly increase both the number of proteges from colleges, universities, and professional societies from Minnesota and the number of mentors from industries and higher education institutions from around the state. The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities became a MentorNet partner in 2005. This year, 3M Foundation celebrates its five year anniversary as a MentorNet sponsor. Minnesota MentorNet seeks to engage every accredited institution of higher education offering degrees in STEM fields to become participating campuses along with corporations, professional societies, and foundations throughout Minnesota that would support this network.
THE POWER OF E-MENTORING
The first and largest program of its kind, MentorNet takes mentoring to a higher level. Backed by an extensive network of some of some of the world's largest companies, top colleges and universities, and professional societies, MentorNet's One-on-One Mentoring Programs pair community college, undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs and untenured faculty as proteges with professionals as mentors for one-on-one, email-based mentoring (e-mentoring) relationships.
Studies have shown the benefits of mentoring for women and students of color pursuing STEM fields. MentorNet’s One-on-One E-Mentoring programs are particularly successful in retaining students of color in STEM fields. A recent study conducted by MentorNet found that students of color indicate even more so than White students that their e-mentor was “the main reason I got through college this year,”and that the MentorNet program increased their motivation to succeed in their chosen field.
MentorNet has proven effective by providing "real world" information, encouragement, advice, and access to networks that are otherwise often unavailable to women and people of color in the male-dominated fields of engineering and science. This is why over 90% of participants would recommend MentorNet's e-mentoring programs to a friend or colleague.
Proteges in the MentorNet program consistently report:
- An increased confidence in their success in science or engineering.
- An increased desire to pursue a career in their field.
- An increased desire to work in industry or at a government laboratory.
- A high degree of satisfaction with their MentorNet experience.
Mentors in the MentorNet program consistently report:
- The personal satisfaction of knowing that they have helped someone else.
- Professional development, including better mentoring skills to use within their company.
- Increased levels of commitment to their fields and their employers.
- Opportunities for self-reflection and self-renewal.
Minnesota MentorNet mentors and proteges would sign up for a One-on-One Program via a MentorNet in Minnesota web portal found on the MentorNet web site, filling out a "profile" with their information and preferences. Proteges are then presented with up to 5 potential matches. They may either choose one of these potential matches or opt to let MentorNet attempt to make the match for them. Once a match has been made and the mentor has confirmed her/his availability, the e-mentoring relationship begins and lasts for 8 months. Mentors and proteges communicate by email about career goals, balancing work and life, course work, and many other topics. There's no need for previous mentoring experience: mentors and proteges can receive online training, ongoing coaching and consulting to help them make the most of the opportunity. Participants spend an average of 20 minutes per week communicating with each other. Mentors and proteges in Minnesota may also have the opportunity to augment their online relationship with face-to-face meetings.
We look forward to your participation in this exciting initiative to enhance greater opportunities for women and underrepresented groups in science and engineering throughout the state of Minnesota.
Please visit www.MentorNet.net for more information about the program.
Questions about Minnesota MentorNet may be directed to MentorNet’s CEO and Founder, Dr. Carol B. Muller at cbmuller@mentornet.net or by phone at (408) 296-4405.
The Minnesota MentorNet section contains the following topics
