This website is full of information that you can use to create and sustain a dialogue between you and your match. Here are some tips:

• help you connect with your mentor
• learn about amazing women in science and engineering
• explore possibilities for a future career
• ask any questions you may have
• join a discussion forum on topics that interest you in science, math, technology, medicine and engineering
• solve a puzzle
• find out what’s out there for young women like you, such as science opportunities, youth conferences, and even scholarships that you can apply for. If it’s not there, use the contacts on the website and send the program office a message

Participant Handbook

When you join the program you will receive a program handbook in the mail. It gives an overview of the program and offers many suggestions to get you started. It contains a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) we’ve compiled and we hope that it will be a useful reference throughout the year.

Download a PDF of the participant handbook

Ideas for Participants

To help you develop a successful relationship with your mentor we have put together a list of suggested discussion topics to get you started. They are listed in the TOPICS page, which is updated frequently, and some can also be found in the Participant Handbook. You will be sent more ideas throughout the year. If you have any ideas to add, please send them to us – we’d love to hear them!

As a professional engineer, technician, scientist, or a student completing an undergraduate degree, your mentor probably has a very interesting and demanding lifestyle. Regular communication will greatly influence the satisfaction of your mentoring relationship. Take the initiative to suggest discussion topics, share personal experiences, ask questions and engage in small talk until you get to know each other and a discussion starts.

Please be appreciative of her time; respond in a timely manner to your mentor’s questions and comments. If you are too busy, send a short message letting her know you will be in contact when you have the opportunity.

Netiquette noun, Etymology: blend of net and etiquette, etiquette governing communication on the Internet.

Good manners are always in style. While online writing is less formal than a written letter there are still some guidelines to follow to make the experience as positive as possible. First impressions are important especially when you can’t see the person you are communicating with.

Keep in Mind:

• Send smaller messages more frequently
• Read and respond in a timely fashion (if you need time to think about your response, send a quick reply letting your mentor know that you will be sending a longer email in a couple of days – and make sure you do!)
• TYPING IN CAPITALS IS THE ONLINE VERSION OF SHOUTING!
• Begin the message with the person’s name
• Use a descriptive title in the subject line
• Smileys and emoticons can be fun
• Acronyms are commonly used (there are many web pages with extensive lists) some common ones are – TTYS talk/type to you soon, BFN bye for now, WBS write back soon
• Always read through your message before hitting the send button – checking for typos and missed words only takes a few seconds, ensures that your message is clear and makes a good impression!