ACerS Mentor Program applications are now open!
The 2027 ACerS Mentor Program applications are open until December 18, 2026. Apply today below!
ACerS Mentor Programs
Register today for The American Ceramic Society’s (ACerS) Mentor Programs. ACerS offers the following programs:
- Student mentor program
- Faculty mentor program
- Industry mentor program
- New! Conference mentor program
The ACerS Mentor Programs have been designed to equip participants with the insight, tools, and connections necessary to make a lasting impact in their future career.
We encourage all who are interested to sign up below to be a mentee and/or mentor for one or more of the mentor programs being offered.
Connect | Motivate | Achieve
ACerS wants to help connect our members with each other in a mutually beneficial way. Past mentor program participants, whether mentee or mentor, have listed the numerous ways that mentorship has impacted their personal and professional lives.
Many mentor participants choose to return each program year to take on a new mentee, and/or continue with an existing mentee.
ACerS Mentor Program applications are now open!
The 2027 ACerS Mentor Program applications are open until December 18, 2026. Apply today below!
Seeking international participants, especially mentors! Volunteer your time and knowledge to connect with the next generation of students, young professionals, and/or colleagues.
Please note that every effort will be made to match mentees with an appropriate mentor. However, due to the availability of volunteers in specific areas, we are unable to guarantee this.
Student Mentor Program
Students have the opportunity to be matched up with a professional from a variety of areas: university, corporate, national lab, manufacturing, etc.
Faculty Mentor Program
Current college/university faculty have the opportunity to be matched up with either a peer or a senior faculty within a university setting.
Industry Mentor Program
Industry professionals with an interest in gaining expertise in the field have the opportunity to be matched up with a seasoned professional in industry.
Please note that every effort will be made to match mentees with an appropriate mentor. However, due to the availability of volunteers in specific areas, we are unable to guarantee this.
ACerS Mentor Program Expectations
ACerS Mentor Programs typically run from 7-10 months out of the calendar year. Matches are made and communicated between February/March and conclude with the end of the year.
Mentees and mentors determine together the frequency of meetings throughout that time, as well as time(s) of the day, and method of their meetings.
Optional topics of discussion are sent to each program participant, monthly.
Mentees and mentors are also invited to join us for an in-person luncheon at the MS&T conference each year.
Mentees
Mentees will be expected to:
- Establish clear goals for the mentorship and communicate with your mentor to set a plan to meet them.
- Discuss with your mentor what expectations each of you have for the mentorship.
- Respect the time your mentor has dedicated to you and make sure to meet up at locations/times that you both have agreed upon.
- Be open and honest with your mentor so that they can guide and support you in the best way possible.
Mentors
Mentors will be expected to:
- Communicate expectations that are outside of those already listed here for mentees.
- Discuss and agree on objectives for the mentorship. For example: sharing science, professional goals, growing professional network, etc.
- Be available to provide guidance and feedback as needed.
- Share how society participation has impacted your career.
- Recommend abstracts/technical information your mentee could find valuable.
Student Mentor Program
If you are a student seeking to gain technical expertise in your field of study, professional development skills, practical advice, encouragement or support, then please consider applying for the program as a mentee.
If you have been successful in your materials science career and are seeking to give back in any of these areas, then please consider applying to be a mentor. You will be leaving a lasting impact on an amazing materials science student! We are seeking mentors for the Student program from all professional areas (university, corporate, national lab, manufacturing, etc.).
Faculty Mentor Program
If you are a faculty member seeking to gain pedagogical expertise in your field of study, professional development skills, practical advice, encouragement or support, then please consider applying for the program as a mentee.
If you have been successful in your university career and are seeking to give back in any of these areas, then please consider applying to be a mentor. You will be leaving a lasting impact on amazing faculty members (and their students)!
We also offer peer to peer matching as well, for those who wish to connect with colleagues on any of the items noted above.
Industry Mentor Program
If you are an industry professional seeking to gain expertise in your field, professional development skills, practical advice, encouragement or support, then please consider applying for the program as a mentee.
If you have been successful in your industry career and are seeking to give back in any of these areas, then please consider applying to be a mentor. You will be contributing and giving back to benefit growth in your field!
Questions?
You may sign up for multiple programs if they apply to you!
Example: Are you a faculty member seeking guidance? Also, willing to be a mentor to a student? Perfect! Sign up to be a mentor for the Student program, and sign up to be a mentee for the Faculty program.
Questions? Please contact Yolanda Natividad.
Perspectives from Mentor
Program Participants
Personalized advice on professional development
The student mentorship program, facilitated by the ACerS President’s Council of Student Advisors (PCSA), gives students the chance to obtain personalized advice on professional development.
The conversations with my past mentor gave me great insight into day-to-day academic life for young faculty. I was also able to get answers to questions I had about things such as time management, developing good writing habits, networking, and conflict resolution. The mentorship program has added a lot of value to my graduate training.
Levi Gardner
Mentee
New! ACerS Conference Mentor Program
This NEW program has been created so that first-time conference attendees may get the most out of their conference experience by connecting with individuals that are excited to support new attendees.
The ACerS Conference Mentorship Programs will focus on conference attendance. ACerS also offers year-long ACerS Mentor Programs, which are separate from the conference mentor programs.