CIO Mentor Program Now Accepting Mentee Applicants

TROY (WWJ) -- As part of its ongoing commitment to developing workforce talent in Southeast Michigan, the nonprofit organization We Build Character is currently accepting mentee applications for Elevate, its CIO mentoring program.

The year-long program focuses on developing up-and-coming talent who would benefit from an individual coach, yet may not have the means to hire one on their own. After completing an online application which clarifies their personal and professional goals, candidates are asked how they could benefit from a CIO mentor and why they are interested in the program. If they are selected, mentees participate in an experience which helps develop them both personally and professionally.

"It helped me gain confidence in myself and my leadership skills," said a 2012 mentee. "Having a mentor available to coach me through my challenges was so valuable. Not only did I set professional goals for myself, I also achieved personal goals as well. That was a surprising bonus!"

Chosen candidates are placed in a year-long leadership program with an external mentoring component that features a one-on-one relationship with a local CIO mentor. Past mentors of the program include Phil Bertolini from Oakland County, Sue McGuire from Thetford, David Behen from the State of Michigan, George Surdu from Comerica Bank, Ruthanne Largent from MGM Grand Detroit and others.

While she agrees the value of the program is well over $3,500, Tracy Ann Palmer, founder of We Build Character, is pleased that the application fee remains at a very affordable $250 per mentee.

"We believe in the value of We Build Character programs, and we believe in keeping the price well within reach of normal people," she said. "Our mentees are promising leaders with normal challenges. It is our goal to see them succeed in their work and in their life."

Candidates must have been in the technology industry for a minimum of three years, and show promise as potential leaders in their organization. Along with completing the online application, mentee applicants must pay the $250 application fee, submit their resume and include a letter of support from an executive sponsor within their organization. The application deadline is Aug. 22, 2013, and the program kicks off in September.

For more information, please visit www.webuildcharacter.org.