Mentorship

Help a girl unlock her confidence and pursue her dreams

Every person benefits from having a support system to encourage and inspire them to be their best self. For a young girl, this support can be the key to navigating the world and understanding that — no matter her circumstances — she is not alone.

Why does ABF require a mentor for a grant applicant?

When Ann Bancroft was young, it was a teacher that sparked her self-confidence. Ann was struggling academically so her teacher came up with a plan to have Ann instruct another teacher how to ski. Through this instruction, Ann realized that even though she was not achieving as much as she wanted to in the classroom, she has another skill set and expertise (skiing) that not many other girls her age had.

It was this guidance and encouragement that allowed Ann to break out of her shell ... and later become a polar explorer. For us here at ABF, this concept of a young girl having access to a mentor — outside of her family — who will be there to constantly support her, encourage her, and guide her through life is an invaluable experience.

Why mentor

Mentors make the difference

At ABF, the role of a mentor is an integral part of a girl's grant experience. This mentor may be a teacher, coach, family friend, youth group leader, or just an exceptionally caring adult. 

Before applying for an ABF grant, a girl must identify a mentor who will help her navigate the online grant application process, support her throughout her grant activity, and be a resource for her as she continues on into her future.  (Or vice versa, the mentor may identify a girl who would benefit from a grant.) 

Your Role

Mentors are integral part of a girl’s grant experience

A mentor's responsibilities to an applicant start with the application process.

  • During the application process

    Oversee all aspects of the application process, making sure that the application is complete, questions are thoughtfully answered. Grant selection is based upon both the girl’s and mentor’s answers, so please make sure that both sections contain complete information and that the grant application is submitted before the deadline.

  • During grant activity

    Guide your mentee during her path to completing her goals and obtaining her dreams. Encourage your mentee to develop strength, a frame-of-mind, and self-confidence so she may become self-sufficient and independent. Inspire her to reach her full potential and overcome her fears or reservations.

  • After the grant experience

    Stay connected! Advocate for your mentee to help her believe in herself. Have conversations with your mentee where you both learn from one another. Complete an ABF post-activity follow-up survey and to ensure that your mentee does also. 

As one of the few girls taking engineering electives in high school, my voice is often ignored. Now I have learned the importance of being treated as equal.
Trailblazer

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions? Contact us here:

grants@annbancroftfoundation.com

612-338-5751 x 191

Mentor Stories

Hear directly from mentors about their experience.

Seeing the effects of working with the mentees has been incredibly inspirational. It’s helped me better understand our local community and the individuals in it.
Michelle Storm
Mentor
The mentor passes on knowledge, but in return receives knowledge from the mentee. You become a better, more fulfilled person by mentoring while improving your own leadership, communication, and listening skills. YOU GAIN FAR MORE THAN YOU GIVE!”
Helga Nissen
Mentor
I'm excited to see how this continues to influence her life. To be able to mentor a young woman while this whole window is opening up for her around family and identity was an honor.
Karlyn Coleman
Mentor
See all stories