AZ Cyber Initiative

Mentorship Program

Tell me and I forget,
teach me and I may remember,
involve me and I learn.

-Benjamin Frankin

Our Program

The AZ Cyber Initiative Mentorship Program connects Arizona high school students with qualified professionals in cybersecurity, IT, and other technology fields from all over the country. Through regular interactions with experienced mentors, participating students gain unique insights and important tools to help them find greater success in their path forward.

Our Purpose

By working with experienced mentors, our program’s mentees get a chance to learn what it takes to pursue diverse career paths as well as the challenges and pitfalls they may encounter along the way. The ultimate goal of a mentorship is to help students become more confident and resilient in whatever they choose to pursue.

Our Process

The AZ Cyber Initiative does its best to match program participants based on mutual interests and availability. Most mentoring relationships will consist of one mentor and one mentee. As part of the program, both mentors and mentees commit to initiate, develop, and maintain an effective mentoring relationship.

Roles & Expectations

For Mentors

Dedicate four to six hours of communication over a six-month period with your assigned mentee. May be conducted via phone, video conferencing, email, or in person.
Serve as a positive role-model and guide to help enhance your mentee’s professional growth and learning.
Assign reading and research materials relevant to your mentee’s interests and objectives.
Enhance your mentee’s experience by inviting them to work meetings, connecting them with colleagues, providing information about internships, assigning them tasks that will develop their leadership skills.

Fill Out Interest Form

For Mentees

Dedicate four to six hours of communication over a six-month period with your assigned mentor. May be conducted via phone, video conferencing, email, or in person.
Discuss your goals, needs, and what you hope to gain from the relationship with your mentor. Speak openly and honestly and seek constructive feedback whenever possible.
Follow mentor’s advice on reading and research materials relevant to your mentee’s interests and objectives.
Ask your mentor for assistance in building a professional network, including introductions to colleagues and other cybersecurity professionals and information about internships opportunities.

Fill Out Interest Form