The YBPS Mentoring Committee is the sponsor of an E-Mentoring Program that partners members of the Society with undergraduate students of Barbadian heritage in the United States. This initiative is aligned with our goal to contribute to the educational development of Barbadian students. The E-Mentoring Program is generously underwritten by the Barbados Public Workers' Co-operative Credit Union Limited.

The program, which debuted in Fall 2006, pairs students with YBPS members, who will provide them with educational, career and general guidance. While the primary mode of communication will be email, mentors and mentees will be encouraged to use whatever communication method works best for them. The YBPS Mentoring Committee will provide guidance as the program progresses to help the mentor-mentee pairs develop successful mentoring relationships.

If you are a YBPS member and would like to volunteer as a Mentor, please fax your completed application to the attention of Linda Gadsby, Esq., YBPS Mentoring Committee, 212-389-3333.

If you are a Barbadian student entering or continuing in a U.S. undergraduate program in the Fall 2008 semester who would like to apply for the E-Mentoring program, please fax your completed application to the attention of Linda Gadsby, Esq., YBPS Mentoring Committee, 212-389-3333.

For more information regarding the YBPS Mentoring Program, please contact us at mentoring@ybpsintl.org.

Eligibility

Students
In order to participate in the YBPS E-Mentoring program, students must be:

• Born in Barbados or of Barbadian heritage
• 18 years or older
• Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at a college or university in the United States.

Mentors
In order to participate in the YBPS E-Mentoring program, mentors must be:

• An Active member of YBPS (as defined by the YBPS' By-laws)
• A holder of at least an undergraduate degree
• A working professional or entrepreneur

Mentoring Defined

A mentor can serve as a guide, a friend and a resource who derives satisfaction from helping others to succeed. YBPS mentors have all successfully navigated college/ university life, established a career in the U.S. and are willing to help Barbadian students in the process of laying the foundation for their careers.

A mentor can serve several functions including that of:

• A Role Model who provides an example to emulate and possesses qualities or values that the student desires for him or herself.
• A Supporter who helps build self-esteem and cultural pride and conveys a sincere interest in the student’s well being while listening to the student’s ideas and concerns.
• A Challenger who encourages the student to set and achieve goals; and encourages the student to exceed his or her expectations.
• A Motivator who can help the student to acquire information and to develop problem-solving skills that are integral to his or her success; as well as provide the student with encouragement to try new things.
• A Resource who can recommend U.S.-based resources to assist in a student’s transition; provide opportunities for new experiences; introduce a student to new people, places, interests, or ideas; and encourage networking with other people.

While mentors can serve a variety of roles in a student’s life, a mentor cannot do or be everything for a student. A mentor is primarily a motivator and not a substitute for any professional services a student might need such as academic advising, career services, health services or counseling. While some mentors help students find professional contacts, this should not be an expectation on the student’s part.

There are limits to what a mentoring relationship can do for both student and mentor. Both parties must work at the relationship to make it successful. It will not just happen. A good mentoring relationship takes trust and time, but the results are worth it.

Program Description

YBPS accepts applications each year during the months leading up to the start of the school year in September. After application forms have been collected, the YBPS Mentoring Committee works hard to make matches based on each student’s area of study, career goals and general interests.

During August, applicants are informed of the status of their application and successful applicants are given their mentor's contact information. Participants are paired beginning in September for one academic year.

YBPS E-Mentoring program participants must be fully committed to maintaining regular contact – at least twice a month – via email or another means. They must have a sincere interest in developing their personal and professional relationship and must be willing to attend YBPS events, participate in recommended activities, and provide constructive feedback about the program.

The Mentoring Committee provides program participants with guidance and relevant materials, as well as opportunities to network and get to know each other, along with other students and YBPS members. The Committee continually gauges participant feedback and administers formal evaluation forms twice during the program in order to make continuous improvements.

YBPS and its program sponsor(s) provide student participants with a book award that is disbursed at the beginning of the two semesters during the school year.

Application Forms

Student and mentor applications for the YBPS E-Mentoring Program are posted each year during the months leading up to the September school term. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis!

Resources and Support

For more information regarding the YBPS E-Mentoring Program, please contact us at mentoring@ybpsintl.org.