Who is eligible?
Sophomores, juniors, and seniors from any field who have an interest in urban social-justice issues are encouraged to apply.
How long is the program?
The seminar runs from the first week of classes in August until the last week of classes in May. The mentorship correspondence begins in late September.
What is the time commitment?
You will spend two hours in class every week and time navigating and posting with your mentee on the I-mentor website and the collaborative wiki and Blackboard websites.
How often does the seminar meet?
The seminar, CRP 3301-Urban Mentorship Initiative, meets on Monday nights from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in Sibley Hall.
Who will my mentee be?
The I-mentor online application will use information on a range of supplied interests, engagements, values, and upbringing to match you with a middle-school student from the Urban Environment School of the Urban Assembly. Students at the UE School either request to participate in the mentorship program or are recommended into the program. Students are also paired based on gender.
How will I communicate and spend time with my mentee?
Mentor-mentee partnerships interact on an online forum in a conversational manner. UE School students post on the I-mentor site weekly in response to prompts and mentor entries. Mentors post on the I-mentor site weekly in response to prompts and mentee entries. Partners spend time together during a field trip in New York City and a host trip in Ithaca.
What is the application process and when will I find out if I am accepted?
Applications are due at the Cornell Urban Scholars Program office (108 West Sibley Hall) by April 24, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. You will be notified about your acceptance in the first week of May.
Will I get university credit for participating in the mentorship program?
While you will not receive credit for your mentorship participation, you will receive three credits for the weekly seminar course, CRP 3301-Urban Mentorship Initiative.
Can I participate if I am studying abroad during either semester of the academic year or the semester prior to or following the program?
You cannot study abroad during the mentorship year. You can study abroad the year before or after.
Where will I stay during the field trip to New York City?
During the field trip to New York City, accommodations are provided for Cornell students who stay with other Cornell program participants. Arrangements can be made to stay independently elsewhere, at the student’s own expense.
Can I be a mentor without participating in the class program or vice versa?
No. It is obligatory during the first year to enroll in the weekly seminar class, CRP 3301-Urban Mentorship Initiative, while participating in the mentorship program.
Can I continue my work as a mentor after the first year?
Yes. Arrangements are being made to continue correspondence via I-mentor and other vehicles following the first year of program participation.
Are there program fees or costs involved with the trips?
No. Food, accommodations, and transportation are provided to the Cornell students during the field trip to New York and to Bed-Stuy mentees during the host trip at Cornell.
