The ASCA Member Mentoring Program connects graduate students, early-career school counselors and experienced school counseling professionals across all settings.This program fosters professional growth, leadership development and meaningful connection across the ASCA community.

Through intentional mentor/mentee relationships, participants have the opportunity to:

  • Develop capacity for advocacy and leadership within their school counseling roles
  • Navigate and strengthen systems that support student success
  • Reflect on personal, professional and career goals
  • Build supportive relationships with fellow ASCA members across career stages

With these goals in mind, the program aims to create a supportive and collaborative space where mentors and mentees work together to identify goals, assess development needs, remain flexible and open-minded, and learn from one another’s experiences. Mentoring relationships are one-to-one and tailored to individual needs and goals

Requirements

  • All participants must be current ASCA members
  • Participants are required to attend a mentor or mentee training session prior to the start of the program
  • Mentors and mentees are encouraged to meet at least once per month (10 times)
  • The mentoring commitment is for one year

Along with matching you with a mentor or mentee, ASCA will be hosting a series of panel and group discussions throughout the year exclusively to mentoring program participants.

Mentors: School counseling professionals with more than five years of experience

Mentees: Graduate students in school counseling programs or school counselors with fewer than five years of professional experience

Mentor Expectations

Mentors play a key role in supporting the growth and development of fellow ASCA members. Mentors are expected to:

  • Build a one-on-one relationship tailored to the mentee’s needs
  • Encourage and suggest relevant ASCA and professional resources
  • Motivate mentees to take initiative in their professional growth
  • Share insights on career paths, leadership and professional development opportunities
  • Support mentees in identifying skills, strengths and career goals
  • Provide honest, realistic and encouraging feedback
  • Practice strict confidentiality
  • Ask thoughtful questions and listen actively
  • Share ideas, information, contacts, publications and other resources as appropriate
  • Meet with their mentee at least once a month for one year

Mentors are not expected to provide supervision, evaluation, mental health counseling or crisis support.

Mentee Expectations

Mentees are encouraged to actively engage in the mentoring relationship. Mentees are expected to:

  • Participate in a one-on-one relationship tailored to their needs
  • Collaborate with their mentor to set and work toward goals
  • Reflect on development needs and professional growth areas
  • Demonstrate interest in learning and career advancement
  • Remain flexible and open-minded
  • Learn from their mentor’s experience, knowledge and perspective
  • Meet with their mentor at least once a month for one year

Program Timeline

July: Applications open
Apply to be a mentor
Apply to be a mentee

End of August: Applications close
September: Mentor and mentee matching and initial communication
Late September/Early October: Program kickoff meeting and training

Questions? Contact Qisti Gitosuputro