Global Mentorship Initiative
Think Human Fund
Mission & History
Founded in 2019, the Global Mentorship Initiative (GMI) is a US-based nonprofit dedicated to fostering equity by providing virtual mentorship to graduating college students from marginalized communities. The organization supports thousands of students across 100 countries, including refugee camps, and has expanded its focus to include underrepresented fields such as climate policy. GMI aims to empower these students by connecting them with career professionals through a 12-week virtual mentorship program, enhancing their professional skills, building career confidence, and improving access to opportunities for employment and career success.
Country Information
GMI operates globally, with students from various countries participating in the program. This year, the first 20 students matched will come from Student Energy, an organization with operations in Trinidad & Tobago and Benin. The program is designed to support students from diverse backgrounds and geographic locations, reflecting GMI’s commitment to global equity and inclusion.
The Need
The Global Mentorship Initiative addresses the need to equip emerging leaders, particularly in underrepresented fields like climate policy, with the skills, confidence, and network necessary to succeed. Many graduating students from marginalized communities face significant barriers to employment and career advancement. These challenges include a lack of professional connections, limited access to industry-specific knowledge, and reduced career confidence. GMI’s mentorship program aims to bridge these gaps and empower students to develop and implement effective climate policies and other impactful careers.
The Project We Fund
The Global Mentorship Initiative provides a 12-week virtual mentorship program that connects graduating college students from marginalized communities with career professionals. Key aspects of the project include:
– Virtual Mentorship: Pairing students with experienced mentors to enhance their professional skills and career confidence.
– Focus on Climate Policy: Expanding support to underrepresented professionals in climate policy and sustainability.
– Partnerships: Collaborating with organizations like Kenya’s KIPPRA and Lokal Labs to offer specialized mentorship and a speaker series.
The Result
GMI measures impact through various methods:
– Surveys: Students and mentors are surveyed before, immediately after, and at 6 and 12 months following the mentorship to assess program satisfaction, effectiveness, and professional progress.
– Success Metrics: In four years, GMI has supported over 7,000 students across 100 countries, including 8 refugee camps. 74% of graduates found jobs within six months of completing the program.
