Alum Mentorship
Inspiration and guidance from York House alums
Share the ups and downs, the moments that changed everything, and the advice you learned along the way. The York House Mentorship program brings past and present students together in the shared experience of being a Yorkie—because discovering your own path is easier with the help of a guide.
Alum Mentorship to Current Students
Senior School students are exploring post-secondary and career pathways that will shape their lives beyond our walls. Give your insights as an alum and help foster networking skills through our Career-Life Connections (CLC) curriculum. Your firsthand knowledge and support in the YHS Mentorship Program are invaluable as these soon-to-be graduates step boldly into the world—and you’ll form lasting bonds that strengthen your connection to York House.
Mentorship begins in Grade 11 as part of CLC curriculum, and students engage with at least one mentor each year. Alums can stay involved in the program as long as they wish and offer multiple mentorships over time.
Alum-to-Alum Mentorship
True to our motto Not for Ourselves Alone, the YHS Alum Mentorship program offers ongoing support for Yorkies after graduation and has opened doors to internships and professional growth opportunities. As a mentor or mentee, you’ll know your fellow alum understands where you’re coming from. Mentors get the fulfillment of making a positive personal and professional impact, while mentees broaden their horizons and gain the confidence to explore new avenues in their careers.
How to Become a Mentor
Sign up or login to YHS Connect, then familiarize yourself with our Mentorship Guides and Mentoring Code of Conduct & Confidentiality. Students can view your profile and request mentorship from alums that match their needs and passions.
Need support?
Contact Ita Kane-Wilson, Associate Director, Alum Relations, for more information or questions such as:
- Joining or changing your involvement in the YHS Mentorship Program
- How to use YHS Connect (profile creation, technical questions, etc.)
- Changing your contact information
Alum Business Directory
If you’re a YHS Alum with your own business or are interested in supporting Yorkie-owned ventures, join the Business Directory on YHS Connect.
Frequently Asked Questions
| What is mentoring? |
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| Mentorship is a mutually beneficial relationship where someone with significant knowledge and experience (the mentor) connects with someone in need of firsthand insights and support (the mentee). Having a mentor helps you see things from a new perspective, make informed decisions, and build confidence in your life and career—while being a mentor is a chance to develop leadership skills, self-reflect, and foster a strong sense of purpose. |
| Can anyone be a mentor? |
| Absolutely! New or recent graduates, career professionals, or accomplished retirees—we welcome alum mentors of all ages to share your valuable stories and experience. |
| Why should I become a mentor? |
There are so many benefits to mentorship at York House, including:
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| How is mentorship facilitated? |
| The YHS Connect platform extends our Mentorship Program to a wider audience and reduces geographical and time zone barriers. Once matched, mentors and mentees can choose to connect in person, on a phone call or FaceTime, or via video conferencing like Zoom or Google Meet. |
| What is the process for mentoring current students? |
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Grade 11 Yorkies are required to find one to two available mentors to connect with over the year. They may have specific questions about careers or post-secondary programs, or simply need someone to listen and relate to. Mentors can expect to work with one to two students on average. You may accept or decline requests depending on your capacity. Mentorship looks different for every pair, and the program is designed to be flexible. You’re free to shape the relationship that works for both of you—whether that’s one conversation with a few quick questions, or more frequent connections throughout the year. In most cases, you will communicate online via YHS Connect. |
| I want to become a mentor, where do I start? |
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