Mentoring in Cyberspace

For many, exploring the world of science and engineering waits until the post-secondary years. For others, it begins much younger. Cybermentor, an online mentoring program for girls ages 11 to 18, allows girls to explore the world of science and engineering from a young age. Matching young teens with a woman who has chosen a career in science, math, engineering or technology, a mentoring relationship is established through the online Cybermentor website (cybermentor.ca).

Samantha Brown, a grade 11 student at Lord Beaverbrook High School, couldn’t wait to join the program. Although she was only nine years old at the time, after attending a presentation by Cybermentor, her interest in the program was sparked. While she may have been two years too young to join, Sam says, “I was determined to wait my two years and apply!”

Whether she is talking to her mentors about different activities she participates in, high school, or potential university courses and careers, Sam says that the Cybermentor program is “awesome – end of discussion.” Sam says, “I would definitely recommend the Cybermentor program because it enables girls to ask questions about what they’re interested in and discover new career opportunities and other scientific interests.” She has already recruited another participant for the program: her little sister, Amanda.

Amanda, a grade 9 student at Henry Wise Wood High School who has now been part of the program for four years, says, “I was doing a math-inclined science fair project about Fibonacci and wanted a mentor in that field who could help answer my questions.” After being matched with a mentor, Fibonacci wasn’t the only thing Amanda spoke about with her mentor. While science remains the centre of most discussions, Amanda’s mentors have talked to her about job opportunities, career choices and their families, among other topics.

Having been a mentee for seven years, I can testify myself to the benefit of the Cybermentor program. Over my years of participation in the program I have been paired with multiple mentors with a variety of jobs. Communicating with women working in the oil and gas sector to women working for the Canadian Space Agency, has certainly taught me a lot. Having the opportunity to speak on a regular basis with a woman who works in an exciting science-related profession can have a profound impact. Not only have I made some great friendships through this program, but my interest in science has increased tenfold. In fact, my love of science is so great that when it came time for me to apply to university, my first choice of faculty was engineering.

As a participant in the Cybermentor program for all of my teenage years, I can say that this program is a wonderful opportunity for young girls. If you are interested in learning more about science and engineering, and the career opportunities for women, then this program is for you! I know that my years as a mentee in the program will always be an important part of my life, and as I move on to university and eventually my career, I too hope to have the opportunity to mentor girls through wonderful programs such as Cybermentor.