Mentor Program | Mentee Application

** Please note:  Due to a backlog of mentee requests, there may be a delay in making a match for you. We are working hard to recruit more mentors. Don’t be discouraged — please do apply. Thank you in advance for your patience! If your need for guidance is urgent, we recommend signing up for the SEJ-Talk listserv or joining the members-only Facebook group where you can reach out to other members anytime. **

Thank you for helping to build the future of environmental reporting! We hope that the mentee program helps support you in your endeavors.

This program is flexible and member-driven. If you a paired in a suitable match, we simply ask that you participate for at least one year and communicate with your mentor a minimum of four times. Mentors typically critique stories and offer professional development advice. Mentor/mentee pairs can choose to meet virtually or in person. SEJ also coordinates mentoring events at our annual conference.

Please read the application carefully and answer the questions with as much detail as possible. This helps us to create suitable matches. Also note that you are required to submit three recent writing samples. Preference will be given to samples that have been published. 

After your application has been received, please expect to receive a confirmation email. Once our program coordinators have found a pair, you will be sent another email with information about your potential mentor. Should you approve of the pairing, you will be put in contact with the mentor. Please note that this process can take some time, as our team is committed to facilitating matches that suit all parties.

Any questions about the process can be directed to mentors@sej.org. Our coordinators will gladly assist you.

We use Submittable to accept and review our submissions.