Purpose
The goal of the mentorship program is to provide opportunities for emerging women leaders in higher education to connect with and learn from senior women leaders across Arizona in a variety of higher education settings. Through networking opportunities, career and leadership development, mentors will assist mentees in developing a career development plan.
Program Structure
2-3 mentees will be matched with a senior leader who will work with them over the course of an academic year by meeting regularly either in person or virtually to share their personal experiences in their own professional development. Mentors will work with their mentees in developing a professional development plan to help mentees identify their career progression and goals. Mentees will have the opportunity to participate in leadership/professional development workshops offered by AWHE through the annual AWHE conference and virtual workshops throughout the year. Mentors will participate in a short training on ways to support and guide their mentees which will be offered by AWHE.
Mentor
Mentor Eligibility Criteria
- Professional Experience: A minimum of 5 years in higher education.
- Leadership Experience: At least 3 years in leadership roles.
- Active Membership: Current membership in AWHE to maintain alignment with the organization’s mission and values.
- Commitment to Mentorship: Demonstrated dedication to supporting women’s advancement in higher education through prior mentorship or related activities.
Mentee
Mentee Eligibility Criteria
- Early or mid-career professional in higher education at an Arizona institution
- Committed to personal and professional growth and advancing in the field
- Interested in developing leadership skills or navigating career transitions
- Willing to set goals and actively engage with a mentor throughout the program
- Able to participate in mentorship activities and scheduled meetings
Application Information for 2026-2027 Cohort
A complete application includes:
- Fill out and submit Mentorship Program Application
- Add Reference Name and Email in application
- AWHE will send details to your reference on submitting a recommendation
- Reference form due by May 18, 2026
- Mentors will be invited to sign up for a virtual interview time.
- Interviews will be held from May 11 – May 22, 2026
- Mentees are not required to interview
Application and Program Timeline
- April 17, 2026 – Application Open
- May 11, 2026 – Application Deadline
- May 18, 2026 – Reference Deadline
- May 11 – May 22, 2026 – Mentor Interviews
- June 1, 2026 – 2026-2027 AWHE Mentorship Program Cohort announced
- September 17, 2026 6-8pm – Virtual Orientation Tuesday
- September 30, 2026 – Complete Virtual Training
- October 2026 – April 2027 – Mentor Meetings
- April 2027 – AWHE Conference TBA
Selection Process
Application submissions will be reviewed by members of the Professional Development committee, based on the criteria listed above.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Mentorship Program Participants Commitment
- Complete the on-demand virtual training by September 30, 2026
- Attend the virtual orientation on September 17, 2026, from 6–8 PM MST
- Meet with your mentoring group and mentor once per month
- Reach out to program staff with any questions or concerns
- Participation encouraged in the AWHE Annual Conference and Pre-Conference Luncheon
AWHE’s Commitment
- Provide resources and training to mentors and mentees
- Provide advice and support to mentors and mentees as needed
- Conduct an evaluation of the program midway through and at the end of the program
- Provide mentorship program participants with discounted registration to the Annual AWHE Conference