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Midwest Alliance Mentoring

The Midwest Alliance oversees a structured mentoring program that aims to help students with disabilities transition from high school into postsecondary degree programs through the help of peers who are further along in their academic or professional careers.
A table with our eligibility requirements is posted here.

All of our mentees and mentors have a disability of some kind and are able to use mentoring sessions to discuss what has worked for them in terms of becoming successful students and/or career professionals.

As a regional program including Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin, the Midwest Alliance is able to leverage its extensive network of contacts and access to resources in setting up and monitoring high quality placements for both mentors and mentees.  Thanks to the internet, we also are able to involve potential mentors and mentees no matter where they may happen to live in our region.

In addition to being role models in a wide variety of STEM fields, Midwest Alliance mentors provide basic information that all students with disabilities entering postsecondary education should be aware of.  This information, which is provided over a total of 16 hours focuses on self advocacy, career exploration, academic accommodations, and the development of study skills.

Mentors use two main types of communication, including:

     -  Face-to-Face - Mentors travel to community locations (libraries, coffee shops, etc.)

        to meet with mentees one-on-one

     -  Internet-Based - Mentors and mentees meet online through instant messaging or

        e-mail

Benefits for Mentees and Mentors

Mentees

     -  Guidance and support from a mentor with similar academic or professional interests

     -  Help with building skills and knowledge

     -  Assistance in transitioning from high school to postsecondary education

     -  An opportunity to earn stipends of up to $200 per term

Mentors

     -  Acquire satisfaction from helping others with similar interests

     -  Gain leadership experience

     -  Have access to learning resources such as specialized training, referrals and

        consultation

     -  Receive stipends of up to $600 per term

The Midwest Alliance:  Explore your possibilities.
  • ©2010 Midwest Alliance in Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics University of Wisconsin-Madison, 338 Goodnight Hall, 1975 Willow Drive, Madison, WI 53706 (866) 857-4358; afruchtm@wisc.edu