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SME Membership SME Bright Minds Student Mentorship Program

SME Bright Minds Student Mentorship Program

The SME Bright Minds Student Mentorship Program, a collaboration between SME Membership and the SME Education Foundation, connects scholarship recipients with experienced SME professionals from September to May.

The program supports students by:

  • Fostering personal and professional growth through mentorship and guidance
  • Providing access to career development resources and tools
  • Creating networking opportunities with leaders in manufacturing and engineering

This initiative helps students thrive in their academic journey and prepares them for successful careers in the industry.

Mentor Eligibility Requirements:

  • Active SME Member with 1+ year of engagement (e.g., volunteer roles, event participation, media contributions)
  • 5+ years of manufacturing industry experience
  • Background check required (valid for 13 months)
  • U.S.-based only (due to background check policy)

Application Timeline:

  • July–August: Mentor background checks completed
  • September: Mentees review Mentor Directory and submit pairing preferences
  • October: Program Orientation and Mentor-Mentee introduction
Program Timeline & Expectationskeyboard_arrow_down

Program Schedule:

Mentees and Mentors will connect virtually (via phone, Zoom, or Teams) every other month, beginning in October and ending in May.

During the alternating months, SME will connect with both Mentees and Mentors to review and track progress, discuss benefits related to SME Membership and evaluate the Mentee-Mentor relationship.

SME also encourages Mentors and Mentees to attend program social hours—an opportunity to connect virtually with fellow program participants. These sessions provide a chance to build your network and gain valuable insights, enriching your mentorship experience.

Schedule is subject to change*

Month Meeting Program Activities
September Program Welcome from Program Manager
October First Mentor-Mentee Meeting Orientation for Mentors and Mentees
November Check-in with Program Manager Virtual Social Hour for Mentees and Mentors
December Mentor-Mentee Meeting  
January Check-in with Program Manager  
February Mentor-Mentee Meeting Virtual Social Hour for Mentees and Mentors
March Check-in with Program Manager  
April Mentor-Mentee Meeting Virtual Social Hour for Mentees and Mentors
May
Program Concludes		 Check-in with Program Manager Virtual Social Hour for Mentees and Mentors


Pairing Process:

SME facilitates the Mentor-Mentee pairing process to ensure a successful and meaningful match. Here's how it works:

  1. Mentor Application and Directory: Once Mentors apply and successfully pass the background check, they are added to the Mentor Directory. This directory includes each Mentor’s name, bio, and areas of industry expertise, making it easy for Mentees to identify potential matches.
  2. Mentee-Driven Selection: Mentees browse the Mentor Directory and select up to three Mentors whose experience and expertise align with their career goals and the guidance they are seeking.
  3. 1:1 Pairing: Pairing is done on a 1:1 ratio, meaning each Mentee is paired with one Mentor. SME reviews the Mentees' selections and facilitates the final pairing assignments to ensure the best possible match based on preferences and availability.
  4. Returning Mentees: Returning mentees have the option to continue with their current mentor for one additional year, allowing for a total of two consecutive years paired together. After this period, mentees will need to transition to a new mentor in the next program cycle. We encourage mentors and mentees to maintain contact even after their formal pairing in the program ends—continuing to grow and strengthen their networks!
  5. Annual Evaluation: At the end of each program year, SME evaluates the success of the Mentor-Mentee relationship to refine the program and improve future pairings.
Eligibility & Expectations for Menteeskeyboard_arrow_down

Mentee Eligibility:

  • Must be a current E. Wayne Kay or Irving Pressley McPhail scholarship recipient
  • Must maintain scholarship during the program year
  • Returning mentees must reapply annually

Key Responsibilities:

  • Participate in bi-monthly virtual meetings
  • Collaborate on setting goals and developing skills
  • Engage in mentorship activities focused on career development

Additional Benefits:

  • Complimentary SME Membership
  • Free access to Tooling U-SME online learning
  • Resume reviews, job fairs, mock interviews, and coaching

*Find more requirements and information in the SME Mentee Guide

Be a Part of the SME Bright Minds Student Mentorship Program

SME is now accepting applications for the SME Bright Minds Student Mentorship Program.
Apply to be a Mentor Apply to be a Returning Mentor