Whether you’re a mentor or a mentee, the Program is focused on creating connections between students and professionals, as well as providing engaging networking and educational opportunities tailored to include individuals from all backgrounds. Through this Program, we hope you will gain relationships in the industry, friendships, and the tools you need to continue in your career. We offer a variety of career-enriching opportunities, including networking events, resume and interview workshops, hiring workshops for employers, career panels, resources on how/where to find forestry jobs, a live database of job openings, and more! For a closer look at what mentors and mentees have gotten out of this Program, take a peek at our Annual Report and last year’s event schedule. 

Mentors and mentees are required to meet once a month, at minimum. Meetings may be virtual or in-person. If you are new to the Program, you will also be expected to attend a 1.5-hour introductory session going over Program structure and expectations. We also ask that all mentors and mentees attend at least one Program-hosted workshop on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice per academic year. Lastly, we highly appreciate when participants take our Program surveys as they help us assess Program needs. The Program will require a maximum of 15-20 hours of your time per academic year. There are many optional Program events that also enrich the experience, and an event calendar will be distributed early in the academic year.

While it is not required that you and your mentor/mentee meet in-person, previous participants have gotten a lot of value out of connecting with their mentor/mentee in-person for events, conferences, field visits, and more. We encourage you to try to meet your mentor/mentee in-person if possible!

Yes! The Program provides funding for attendance at forestry-related events and conferences, or for visiting your mentor or mentee in-person for a field trip or meeting.  Funds can cover registration fees, mileage, meals, hotels, and vehicle rentals. Each participant may apply for up to $600 in reimbursement per academic year.

No, you do not need to be a Registered Professional Forester to be a mentor! The Program serves all interest areas within forestry and natural resources. Participating students are all enrolled in forestry Programs, so mentors should have a strong forestry background to provide the best guidance to mentees. 

As all participating colleges and universities are California-based, mentor applicants from within California will be prioritized.