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SME Mentee Sign Up

The SME Bright Minds Student Mentorship Program is now open to SME student members. Spots are limited and first come, first serve. There are 13 spots available.

We hope to open more spots in the next cycle. Any additional applications after spots are filled will be considered under a waitlist for the 27-28 program cycle.

Step 1: Review, complete and submit the SME Mentee application by midnight PT on August 12, 2026.

Step 2: SME Mentees must attend a kick-off orientation in September before setting up a meeting with their assigned mentee.

Step 3: SME Mentees will make initial contact with the assigned Mentor in October to discuss goals and schedule a date and time for your first Mentor-Mentee meeting.

Review the Mentee Guide to learn more about program commitments.

Mentee Applicant Profile


Home Permanent Address: Provide City and State Only

Once you are paired, the Mentee program manager will share your bio and headshot with your mentor. Please share a short bio about yourself and what you’d like to gain from this program. What are your education and/or career goals? Do you volunteer or have any community engagement? Don’t forget to share fun facts about yourself, like hobbies and interests you enjoy.

This program is also an opportunity to meet fellow student members.

School Information


School address: Provide City and State Only

Participant Responsibilities

I confirm that I will attend the program orientation to understand my role and responsibilities as a mentee in the SME Bright Minds Student Mentorship Program.

This program follows a three strike communication policy. If program managers and/or mentors do not receive a response from a mentee after three outreach attempts, the mentee will be dismissed from the program.

I understand that to remain eligible as a mentee, I must maintain my SME scholarship. Once my scholarship has concluded, I am no longer eligible to participate in the program. However, I am encouraged to remain an SME Member and continue building relationships with mentors outside of the formal program.

OR

I understand that to remain eligible as a mentee, I must be an SME Student member enrolled in a manufacturing related 2–4-year program.

Mentees and mentors are required to connect at least every other month—beginning in October and ending in May—for a minimum of four meaningful connection points. These interactions may take place by phone, through virtual meetings, or in person if both parties are comfortable meeting face to face.

Acknowledgement and Consent

Applicant Statement: By submitting this application, I certify that all information provided on this application is correct and accurate, to the best of my knowledge. (Note: False or inaccurate information may result in rejection of this application.) I agree to keep confidential the specifics of my discussions with my mentor/mentee, unless given permission to share this information with others. I am also encouraged to discuss any concerns I have about my mentoring experience with the Mentoring Program Coordinator(s). The Mentoring Program Coordinator will maintain confidentiality unless a breach of confidentiality is necessary to maintain someone’s personal safety.

Mentees and Mentors will be required to connect every other month, beginning in October and ending May, for five connection points. Connection points must be phone calls, virtual meetings, or in-person meetings if the mentor and mentee are comfortable meeting in person.