eMentors Volunteers

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eMentors Volunteers

eMentors is an online mentoring program that offers Minnesota high school students the opportunity to develop a relationship with a mentor in a professional field. BestPrep connects companies with classrooms to form an eMentors partnership with employees corresponding with students through a weekly message exchange. Over the course of eight weeks, students and mentors discuss topics including college and career experience, interviewing skills, workplace etiquette, having a positive attitude, and more. Students and mentors also meet one time in person at your company to focus on building the mentor-student relationship and learning more about career opportunities.

Volunteering with eMentors is a great way to make an impact in your local community and share your story with students who are preparing for the future. Since this program is mostly virtual, mentors can volunteer directly from their desks at work or at home, making it an easy volunteer time commitment. eMentors is proud to be a MENTOR Minnesota “Dedicated Partner” , one of the nation’s most influential organizations in youth mentoring.

See 2023 Recap

Testimonial

“eMentors gives adults a sneak peek into the world of today's youth; their struggles, hopes, dreams, fears, thoughts, and goals. When you are able to step back from the hustle and bustle of the business world and look through student’s eyes, you appreciate what you had in your youth and gives you a different perspective on the world.”

~ Farah Khan, Thrivent Financial Volunteer

Sample Email Exchange

Student Message

Hey _____,

I think it’s cool that you went to Europe. I’ve never been out of the states before. But I have been to like 5 states.

Out time together was great. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do after high school but I knew it would involve college. I hadn’t really thought about engineering a lot until you brought it up. A lot of people told me to do it because I’m good at math but I just shrugged it off. If I didn’t look into engineering, I probably would’ve played football. Many people tell me I should that too. Something I learned about myself was that (not to be cocky), I’m better at things then I thought. I always doubted myself because I always compared myself to the pros. But I realized that I’m not going to be good at everything. And it’s alright to not be a master at everything.

This week’s questions: What did you think of our time? What was the best part? What could’ve been better? Have you learned anything about yourself? Have you learned anything from me?

My last time messaging, Sincerely _____

Mentor’s Message

Hi ______,

Thanks for being such a great mentee. I have really enjoyed getting to know you through the many conversations, online and in person, we have had over the past weeks. I appreciate all you shared with me about your life and goals. I’m very excited for you and your journey ahead. You’ve reminded me that life is full of possibilities (for 9th graders and 49-year-olds!). It’s what has inspired me to take up guitar lessons in January. It won’t be easy, but I’m determined to do it.

I hope you will stay determined too. Set a goal, whether it’s engineering or something else, and go for it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re not good enough, and surround yourself with people who can help and support you. It won’t be easy, but you can do it!

I know connecting with someone through messages can seem weird at times, and I appreciate you sticking it out and connecting with me. I hope you enjoyed our discussions as much as I did and I wish you all the best for the future. Keep up the good work!

Sincerely, _________

How It Works

1) Sign up to be a mentor with your company coordinator. If you aren’t sure if you’re participating, check in with us.

2) Complete the online training that will be sent to you.

3) Exchange weekly messages over eight weeks with your student and impart the lessons you have learned in your career. Students send a message in class each week and mentors should respond within 2 business days.

4) Depending on what your Company Coordinator, the school, and BestPrep decide, you may meet your student in person at your office, or you may participate in a couple virtual activities instead. The virtual activities focus on building the mentor-student relationship and learning more about career opportunities. Some examples of activities include creating a FlipGrid introduction video, a virtual career panel, creating a “Get to Know Me” slideshow, and creating career profile videos.

Partner Companies

The eMentors program partners with companies and their employees to volunteer as mentors to Minnesota students. See below for a list of some of our partner companies. If your company is interested in partnering with BestPrep, contact us.