College launches Spring 2026 Professional Mentorship Program

The University of Hawai’i at Mānoa College of Engineering is proud to announce the launch of its Spring 2026 Professional Mentorship Program, running from January 23 to April 29, 2026. This one-semester initiative is designed to foster meaningful connections between engineering students and industry professionals, supporting student retention, academic success, and career readiness.

For its inaugural cohort, the program received over 50 student applications. From this pool, 20 students were selected and matched in 20 individualized 1:1 mentor–mentee pairings. Student mentees represent a broad academic spectrum, ranging from first-year freshmen to graduate students, highlighting the program’s commitment to supporting learners at every stage of their engineering journey.

The program pairs current engineering students with a distinguished cohort of mentors, many of whom are proud College of Engineering alumni returning to give back to their alma mater. The mentor roster features an impressive range of expertise, from business owners and firm presidents to high-level technical specialists. Notable mentors in this cohort include a former Red Bull Formula One engineer, a renewable energy leader at Hawaiian Electric (HECO), and professionals from organizations such as NASA Ames Research Center and Lockheed Martin Space.

The mentorship program aims to help students build confidence and direction in their engineering disciplines, gain exposure to real-world engineering practices, and develop essential professional communication and networking skills. Through regular meetings, mentees will receive personalized guidance on academic planning, internships, career pathways, and professional development.

Mentors will meet with their mentees at least twice per month, either virtually or in person, sharing insights from their professional journeys and supporting mentees in setting achievable goals. Both mentors and mentees will engage in activities such as workplace visits, job shadowing, and collaborative projects to enrich the learning experience.

The program kicks off with a welcome and orientation event on January 22, 2026 at the College’s Bowers + Kubota Lecture Hall, where mentors and mentees will meet and set expectations. Throughout the 14-week semester, pairs meet regularly to discuss progress and career insights. The program concludes with a closing event on April 30, 2026, celebrating mentees’ achievements and reflections.

In addition to the structured meetings, the program offers monthly check-ins and encourages participants to document their journey through a shared digital meeting journal and photo uploads, fostering a community of learning and support.

This pilot cohort of the Professional Mentorship Program is a step toward creating a sustainable mentorship culture within the College. By connecting students with alumni and industry leaders who have navigated similar paths, the program aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional excellence.