Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Mentor Program
Do I have to attend all three Saturdays?
It is highly encouraged that you attend all three Saturdays so that you may gain the greatest benefit from the relationship with your mentor. Your mentor has committed the time to get to know you, so we hope you can do the same. However, if you have a legitimate conflict on one of the Saturdays, please email us and we will work with you.
How much does the program cost?
The Mentor Program, like all other GEC events, are free to all participants! Our goal is to make engineering accessible to everyone.
Who is eligible to participate?
Any girl in high school (grades 9-12) is eligible for this program! Your daughter does NOT have to have any prior interest or experience in engineering.
How will my daughter be paired with a mentor?
Mentors and mentees will be paired based on the interests and hobbies that your daughter expresses on her mentee application. For example, if your daughter expresses interest in chemistry, we will try to pair her with a chemical engineering student - if electronics, then an electrical engineering student. We also try to pair students with similar hobbies and extra-curricular interests.
What will my daughter gain from the mentor program?
Girls Engineering Change works to close the gender gap in STEM fields. In order to do this, encouragement and exposure must be provided in the fundamentally stages of a girls’ education. Our primary goal of the program is to educate the mentees on the opportunities available to them in engineering and establish a connection to a current engineering student.
Will transportation be provided?
No, the parent, legal guardian, or participant is responsible for transportation to NC State. Free parking is available nearby if participants choose to drive themselves.
Who are the mentors?
GEC mentors are outstanding NC State students currently in a STEM field who are passionate about closing the gender gap in engineering. Each mentor has undergone mentor training in addition to a safety training and mandatory background checks required by North Carolina State
University for any individual working with minors.
University for any individual working with minors.
Will I get to meet my daughter's mentor?
Absolutely! Mentors will attend all weekends of the program and will be available to meet before or after any session.