Mentorship Program

What is Learning Disability Services?
What is the Career Mentorship Program?
From what companies have mentors come?
What benefits do mentors enjoy?
What do mentors do?
Application to become a mentor
Application for students
Find out more about what students and mentors say about the program [video]

What is Learning Disability Services?

an innovative program founded in 1985 for York University students with learning disabilities (LDs)
currently involves over 1000 students enrolled in York University programs
supports students with identified LDs to facilitate their academic, social, and career development
provides a range of services such as: academic accommodations, assistive technology training, career counselling, tutorial services, personal and life skills counselling
facilitates workplace success through mentor involvement

What is the Career Mentorship Program?

The Career Mentorship Program is a career development option offered by Learning Disability Services at York University. It is an opportunity for York University students with LDs to be matched with career mentors to work together to facilitate the career goals of the students.

Students apply on-line to the program, stating their career goals and their reasons for wanting to join the program. The career specialist in LDS makes one-to-one matches between student participants and mentors. In addition, all students and mentors participate in group meetings to facilitate networking and relevant professional development for all participants.

Mentors share work knowledge, experience, and connections. In turn, the students offer the mentors a chance to learn first hand about persons with LDs. Together they can work towards understanding employment equity issues.

Students meet with their mentor six times during an academic year, usually at the mentor’s work site. Mentors and students are also expected to attend several group meetings at York University.

What contributes to the work success of persons with LDs?

Persons with LDs develop unique ways of working effectively. They adapt to their work by minimizing their disabilities and maximizing their strengths. Hard work and creativity contribute to positive outcomes.

Positive encouragement and advice from mentors can be important to providing students with LDs the confidence, skills, and knowledge they need to pursue career dreams.

Past Mentors Have Come From Some of the Following Organizations:

Benefits of Program for Mentors:

gives mentors a chance to shape career futures of talented students
gives mentors a chance to build new coaching skills and diversity awareness
builds the mentor's resume
gives ,mentors a chance to provide information on their company and work experience
increases company awareness of employment equity issues
enhances the company's image as a concerned employment equity employer

How Will You Benefit?

learn more so you can educate human resource professionals, managers, and supervisors about learning disabilities
explore how students with LDs can positively impact your organization
source quality employment candidates in minimal time with maximum benefits
feel good knowing that you have assisted a university student develop skills and pursue career dreams

Examples of What Mentors Can Do:

help students to be positive and have hope despite current labour market conditions
discuss ways for students to establish, maintain, and improve self-confidence
alert students to their organization's value and goals
share personal or unique experiences and career paths with students
offer a human face to an organization
provide constructive feedback to students
offer an opportunity for information exchange from an industry contact
introduce students to other employment contacts
discuss ways to obtain career information
give pamphlets and other company literature to students
set up work shadowing opportunities for students
give students feedback on their interviewing skills
help students network more effectively

Mentor Application

NOTE: If you find that the Mentor Application does not redirect you to the thank-you page after you submit your form, please print the PDF version and submit it via mail or fax.

Attention: Jayne Greene-Black,
W128, Bennett Centre for Student Services, York University
4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3.
Fax: 416-736-5565

Those interested in becoming Mentors are directed to the online Mentorship Application Form

If you prefer, you may download a copy of the Mentor Application in PDF Format or for printing at your location.

Student Mentorship Application

Students interested in working with a mentor should complete and submit the Student Mentoring Application.

Alternatively, you may download the Student Mentorship Application in PDF format.

Please note: there is a $45 administration fee to assist in covering some of the costs associated with this program. Cheque payable to York University is due September 30. If this fee presents a financial barrier to your attendance, please contact Jayne Greene-Black. We do not want this fee to prevent your participation.

Find Out More About What Students and Mentors Say About the Program

Counselling & Disability Services (CDS)
Tel: 416-736-5297
Location: N110 Bennett Centre for Student Services