Student-Alumni Mentoring Initiative (SAMI)

The Student-Alumni Mentoring Initiative (SAMI) at HGSE pairs current students and alumni for a nine-month (August–April) mentorship that focuses on personal and professional development, as well as career and network building. Through this effort, SAMI hopes to deepen connections within the HGSE community, and to inspire a community of mentors dedicated to fostering growth and development as educators and lifelong learners.

Program Details and Expectations of Participants

Mentors and mentees will facilitate communication on a regular, mutually-agreed upon basis throughout the academic year. Although relationships and responsibilities will vary depending on the mentor/mentee relationship and needs, mentors commit to fulfill the following expectations over the course of the academic year: 

• Actively engage with an HGSE student sharing your knowledge, experiences and expertise.
• Participate in a mandatory mentor training session to learn more about the program and how to best support your student.
• Commit to at least one 30-minute meeting per month (in person or via Zoom), for nine months (August through April).
• Responsive communication in between meetings with your mentee to help support their goals on a regular, mutually agreed upon basis throughout the academic year.
• Communicate progress, questions, or concerns with program staff at alumserv@gse.harvard.edu.