The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Mcgill University

The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University: Peer Mentor Application Form 2017- 2018

Program Description The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program identifies academically talented young people from sub-Saharan Africa who have demonstrated a commitment to making a difference in their home communities, yet face significant barriers to accessing and completing quality education. In 2013, McGill began welcoming the first cohort of Scholars and we are excited to have 10 additional undergraduate Scholars arriving this August 2017. While at McGill, Scholars receive comprehensive financial, social, and academic support. By focusing on students from various communities and backgrounds, and by emphasizing the important concept of "go back and give back", The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program ensures that The MasterCard Foundation, McGill, and the Scholars will make a lasting contribution to life in the Scholars’ communities and countries of origin. Additional information can be found at http://www.mcgill.ca/mastercardfdn-scholars/ and at http://mastercardfdnscholars.org/ MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program Peer Mentorship

What does it mean to be a Peer Mentor? Mentors should be energetic, compassionate, and reliable upper-year McGill students who are committed to service. While familiarity with African cultures is not necessary, an ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds is important.

Selection Process Peer Mentors will be selected based on the information provided in this application form. Consideration will be given to selecting 10 Peer Mentors who reflect the diversity of the McGill campus and the full spectrum of the university experience. Please note that Grade Point Average is not relevant in our selection process.

How the Program Works Peer Mentorship is a 2-to-2 (or 3-to-3) relationship; that is, two Mentors are matched with two Scholars to create a Peer Mentorship Circle. This format aims to expose both mentors and Scholars to a wide network of people, interests, and backgrounds.

Peer Mentors provide guidance on academics and life at McGill in a manner that eases the Scholars’ transition to the University and facilitates their success. Success is measured differently for each Scholar, with the overarching goals of academic achievement, leadership development and an ethic of giving back to one’s community.

It is important to remember that Peer Mentorship is merely one piece of The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program’s multipronged approach to supporting its Scholars. In addition to the Peer Mentorship Program Facilitator and Lead Mentor, Scholars will have access to campus resources including advising, tutoring, co-curricular activities and other opportunities. Scholars are also matched with a Faculty Mentor: a professor from their Faculty who serves as an academic elder who can discuss broad academic issues and facilitate connections to resources. Peer Mentors will not be asked to replicate these services, but can definitely help identify them as pathways to help Scholars succeed.

Responsibilities of a Peer Mentor - Must be in Montreal by August 30 and at McGill for the entire 2017-2018 year - Attendance at the Peer Mentorship training session (provisionally on Saturday, September 9) - Attendance at regular Peer Mentorship events - Communication with Peer Mentorship Circle via email or Facebook during the summer - Regular meetings with your Peer Mentorship Circle throughout the academic year - Communication with the Lead Mentor and Peer Mentorship Circle Facilitator should problems arise within your Peer Mentorship Circle or with one of the Scholars Completion of these responsibilities is recognized on McGill University’s Co-Curricular Record (CCR). Application Form

Applications must be submitted by FRIDAY, June 19th @ 4:00 p.m. Please email your completed application to the MCF Peer Mentorship Program Facilitator [email protected] Applications will be reviewed, and you will be notified of a decision by July 3rd, 2017.

Name: ______Last First Middle (optional)

Age: ____ Gender______Language(s) Spoken: ______

Faculty(ies)/Major(s): ______Year of Study ______

Email: ______Current Phone: ______

Where have you lived? ______

Which City/Town(s) do you consider home? ______

Country(ies)?______

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Please provide clear and thoughtful responses to the questions so that we can properly evaluate you as a candidate and best match you with Scholars, if selected. As much as possible, please limit your answers to the space provided.

1) What opportunities have you pursued since coming to McGill? Please list all academic and extracurricular interests, as well as any jobs you may have held. 1a) Which of these has had the greatest impact on you? Why?

2) Why are you a good fit for The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program Peer Mentorship? That is, what skills, perspectives or experiences do you possess that make you especially suited for working with the Program?

3) Being a Peer Mentor will require time, energy, and attention, but what do you hope to gain from this experience? In essence, why are you applying and how will it impact your own McGill experience? 4) If you had the opportunity to share a passion or interest that is important to you with a Scholar in order for them to get the best impression of what represents who you are, what would it be and why? You may discuss your favorite song, book, movie, etc. or describe what you do in your free time.

5) Is there any additional information that you believe would be relevant to this selection process?

Certification and Signature: I certify that all of the statements contained in my application are true, complete, and correct to the best of my knowledge and that if selected as a Peer Mentor, I will fulfill the aforementioned responsibilities and attend the training session.

Initials: ______Date: ______Questions? Email the Peer Mentorship Program Facilitator: [email protected]