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The Open Access Mentoring Programme

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Since launching our first Catalyst pilot in January 2021, we’ve been dedicated to making mentoring with representative role models accessible to Black girls across the UK.
 

Now in Year 2 of the Open Access Mentoring Programme, we’re excited to expand our reach, building on the success of the 2024 cohort. This year, even more Black female students in years 11 to 13 will have the opportunity to be paired with mentors from diverse fields such as law, education, and digital marketing. These mentors will provide guidance and support from January to July 2025. Click here to find out more about our mentors.


Our programme aims to:

  • Provide high-quality mentor matches

  • Support mentees in progressing toward their career goals

  • Connect Black girls with relatable role models

  • Offer targeted advice and guidance to help them achieve their future goals.

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Applications for the Open Access Mentoring Programme close on Friday, January 3rd, 2025. Interviews begin on Monday, December 2nd and offers are made on a rolling basis. Apply early to maximise your chances of securing a spot! 

 
 
FAQs
Can I/my daughter sign up for the programme?

Mentees must:

  • Be a Black teenage girl (of Black Caribbean, Black African, Black Other or Black Mixed heritage)

  • Be in years 11, 12 and 13 and living in the UK

  • Not attend a current Catalyst partner school

  • Commit to the programme for its duration, and attend a celebration event in London in July 2025

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Is there a cost for the programme?​

There is no cost for mentees to participate in the mentoring programme. This programme is designed to support mentees who would be less likely to otherwise access mentoring and support from a role model. At application and interview, mentees will be asked about their motivations, how they will benefit from the programme and any other supporting information.

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How does the programme work?

Mentees will be selected and onboarded in December, then matched with their mentors in January. As with our schools’ programme, mentoring pairs will be matched based on careers and aspirations, personality and interests.

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Mentoring pairs will meet at least monthly online, have access to mentor coordinator support and optional group trips from fun socials like bowling to career insight days. The programme will conclude with an end of year mentoring celebration in July with the wider Catalyst network.​

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How will I/my daughter be kept safe on the programme?

At the Catalyst, the safety of our young people is the highest priority for the programme. There are a range of measures put in place to prioritise the safety of all mentees on the programme:

  • All mentors are subject to an enhanced DBS and reference checks

  • All mentees and mentors undergo safeguarding training

  • All mentees will have a monthly debrief with their mentoring coordinator

  • All Catalyst staff have an enhanced DBS check and are safeguarding trained.

  • Parents/guardians must attend a parent briefing before the programme commences to ensure they understand the requirements of the programme​​

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