Mentee-driven, Mentor-guided
About the Green Mentor program
The Green Mentor program connects young adults with forest and conservation professionals. It involves meeting (in person or virtually) three or four hours a month. Mentees can expand their Green Jobs knowledge, goals, and network. Mentors can inspire the next generation of leaders, recruit employees, and gain new perspectives.
- Time commitment: 4-6 hours per month
- Benefits: Grow your network, gain new perspectives, develop soft skills, and more!
- Mentor eligibility: 3+ years of professional experience within any operation in the forest and conservation sector
- Cost: Free
Why is mentorship important?
Mentorship is an important way to foster and inspire the next generation of forest and conservation leaders and build a diverse and resilient Green Jobs workforce. It can also help reduce barriers to landing a green job by providing access to insider tips, helping participants grow professional networks, and by increasing the confidence of mentees and mentors alike.
Why mentor?
Since launching in 2020, the Green Mentor program has supported over 600 participants. Past green mentors said that the top three skills they gained or improved during the program were communication, coaching, and empathy. Green mentees said their top three were confidence, networking, and communication.
What past mentees and mentors are saying
In Spring 2022, Dr. Cathy Keeler was beginning to wrap up her Ph.D. in Integrative Public Policy and Development at Tuskegee University and looking for job opportunities. While browsing the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) website, she found Project Learning Tree (an initiative of SFI) and the Green Mentor program. June 22nd, 2023. Read more.
As a first-generation college student, Jah’Niya Myers continually faces a number of firsts. But when she was matched with her Project Learning Tree (PLT) green mentor, Lydia Kidane, PLT’s Education Programs Coordinator, she found someone who could relate. May 29th, 2023. Read more.