Mentor a Scholar

To support Leaders in Equitable Evaluation and Diversity (LEEAD) Scholars’ transition from accomplished researchers to successful evaluators committed to integrating a culturally responsive and equitable evaluation (CREE) approach, LEEAD provides Scholars with professional development and mentoring throughout the Program. The mentoring component is central to the LEEAD model, with most Scholars rating the relationship with their mentor as valuable to their experience. Most Mentors also report positive experiences, with some serving as a Mentor for multiple cohorts.

Both Scholars and Mentors complete an assessment, which is used to match Mentors with Scholars. The matching process is based on a number of factors including personal background, research interests, mentoring needs and approach, work settings, geographic location, and other priorities identified by Scholars. One-to-one matches are made based on opportunities for strong connections. Thus, Mentors are selected based on the cohort’s overall characteristics and career interests.

Scholars receive help from their Mentors in a variety of areas, including opportunities for career development and advancement in the evaluation field, navigating the field of evaluation and CREE specifically, and building a professional network. Mentors specifically offer support during Scholars’ completion of the online curriculum and their Practicum Site placement. This could involve helping them negotiate their contract and the scope of work, or providing guidance on completion of evaluation deliverables. Mentors are given a modest honorarium for their time and commitment.

Interested in becoming a LEEAD Mentor?

Learn more about being a Mentor for the LEEAD Program by reading the LEEAD Mentor Overview (pdf) and make sure you’re getting the monthly Bench (Re)Marks newsletter for additional ways to get involved in Expanding the Bench and get notified the next time Mentor applications become available!