The GirLinKs Program
Matching

1. Once your registration form is complete and has been submitted, you will receive notification as to the status of your application on a weekly basis.

2. When a match is made, program staff will notify you and your parents that a match is pending upon completion of Web Mentor/Mentee Training by both parties.
3. Once training is completed, GirLinKs matches will be introduced via program staff and copied to the participant's parents.
Contact

1. GirLinKs matches are required to make a minimum contact of twice a month.

2. These on-line conversations may take as little time as 30 minutes per month.
3. Guidelines or tips will be available on the web to ensure successful mentoring relationships. Topics will include: first contact, getting to know you activities, conversation topics, and ensuring a success.
Example Topics of Discussion

Evaluation

1. Participants will be asked to fill out a monthly questionnaire to determine the success of the match.

2. Evaluation questions will relate to the status of a match and topics of discussion, but not as to the content.
Length

1. Matches will be made on an ongoing basis until December 1st.

2. The program will be evaluated and monitored until May 1st. Upon completion of the program, matches will have the option of continuing their match without program intervention through the summer.

Rewards for successful completion of the program:

If you have completed the program successfully at the end of the school year, meaning completion of review, progress reports, and at least minimum contact while you are matched, you will receive a certification of completion and be entered into a raffle for prizes.

Re-Matching

1. If a match is not successful, staff members will work to reassign mentors and mentees. Mentees with unsuccessful matches will be given priority for re-matching if they have completed the program successfully to date.

2. Students may choose to pull their application or end their relationship at any time.
Benefits for High School Students:
  • Get to know a positive role model.
  • Introduce girls to the options available in science, math, engineering, and technology while still in high school.
  • Ease the transition from high school to college.
  • Learn about college life.
  • See how college students balance school and their social lives.
  • Offer personal and academic guidance.
  • Work on writing skills in a fun way.
  • Encourage girls to use technology in pursuit of their education.

Role of Mentoring for Undergraduate Students
  • Encourage students to continue their pursuit in engineering, science, math, and technology.
  • Serve as a resource for networking with other students interested in science and engineering at Iowa State University.
  • Provide counsel on major and college choices.
  • Acquaint high school students with the culture of Iowa State University.
  • Share college and work experiences.
  • Provide information about Iowa State University and the support for women in STEM fields.
Benefits of Being a Mentor
  • Satisfaction of helping a student reach her academic and personal goals.
  • Recognition for participation in an academic related activity.
  • Increased self-confidence.

Program for Women in Science and Engineering
Iowa State University • 218 Carver Hall • Ames IA 50011-2060
Phone: (515) 294-0966 • Fax: (515) 294-6582
girlinks@iastate.edu

Last Updated: August 23, 2007 11:01 AM