What is Bridging Milestones?
Bridging Milestones (BriM) is a program that connects youths in two critical milestones: high school and postsecondary.
Designed by youths who themselves are in post secondary (and understand the importance of proactively preparing), the program pairs students in high school with compatible* students in post secondary for ongoing one-on-one* mentorship. These biweekly (2X/month) sessions offer high school youths valuable insight on navigating secondary and post-secondary in all aspects, from academics to extracurriculars to wellness. The sessions also offer an enriching volunteer experience for post secondary mentors.
In addition, the program features four main cohort events for all participants, challenging them to further develop leadership skills and providing a platform to network and grow both personal and professional circles.
Program goals:
Providing ongoing one-on-one mentorship opportunities that enhance mutual learning in mentees and mentors
Providing networking opportunities for all program participants
Fostering development of critical life skills such as leadership and communication
* Compatibility is determined by 1) mentor's current faculty and mentee’s academic interest and 2) similar extracurricular interests.
* Biweekly one-on-one sessions do not have a prescribed format.
Note: All cohort meetings will be virtual. One-on-one meetings may be virtual or in person as mutually agreed upon.
Mentor Eligibility*:
Must be entering or currently in 2nd year or higher of an undergraduate program at a Canadian post secondary institution
Must be committed to attending mandatory one-on-one meetings twice a month with mentee(s) for 30-60 minutes
Must be committed to attending 4 mandatory group meetings: Mentor Orientation, BriM Pairing, BriM Midpoint Check In and BriM Concluding Meeting (each 1-3 hours)
Must be willing to fill 1-2 surveys with program feedback
Must be able to establish a professional and respectful relationship with mentee(s)
Mentee Eligibility*:
Must be in Grade 10-12 in the current school year
Must be committed to attending mandatory one-on-one meetings twice a month with mentee(s) for 30-60 minutes
Must be committed to attending 4 mandatory group meetings: Mentor Orientation, BriM Pairing, BriM Midpoint Check In and BriM Concluding Meeting (each 1-3 hours)
Must be willing to fill 1-2 surveys with program feedback
Must be able to establish a professional and respectful relationship with mentor
* Mentor or mentee eligibility is not restricted to age. If you meet the criteria stated above, please apply even if you aren’t a youth.
Application forms:
(Application deadline: January 31, 2025 @ 11:59pm MST)
Mentor Application form: Click here
Mentee Application form: Click here
*The second cycle of BriM for the 2024-25 year is from January to May.
Contact:
Vivek Acharya (BriM Program Coordinator): vivek.acharya@weandtheworld.ca
Rupiksha Nyachhyon (Events): rupiksha.nyachhyon@weandtheworld.ca
Aditee Gyawali (Events): aditee.gyawali@weandtheworld.ca
Manira Gautam (Communications): manira.gautam@weandtheworld.ca
Sadiksha Khanal (Intake): sadiksha.khanal@weandtheworld.ca
Dip Khadka (Intake): dip.khadka@weandtheworld.ca
Tejaswi Bhandari (Intake): tejaswi.bhandari@weandtheworld.ca
Benju Paudel (Business): benju.paudel@weandtheworld.ca
Vivek Acharya
Hello! I’m Vivek and I am the Program Coordinator for BriM. As a recent Computing Science graduate from the U of A, I understand starting the journey from High School can seem daunting. I’m excited to help drive this program forward alongside an amazing team and looking forward to the change we can bring together!
Aditee Gyawali
Hi everyone! My name is Aditee and I am a second year student studying Immunology and Infection at the University of Alberta. I am one of the two Events Executive for BriM and I am so excited to be working with the rest of the Executive Team in planning and organizing a fun and fulfilling experience for our mentors and mentees!
Rupiksha Nyachhyon
Hi everyone! My name is Rupi and I am a third year Neuroscience student at the University of Alberta. I will be the Events Executive for BriM this cycle. I’m so excited to plan and present some fun and engaging events for you!
Manira Gautam
Hi everybody! I’m Manira Gautam and I am a second year BSc student at the University of Alberta. I am the Communications Executive at BriM. I am very excited to be a part of this team and hope that this program will allow for personal and academic growth for both our mentees and mentors!
Benju Paudel
Hey everyone! I’m Benju Paudel and I’m a second year BCyc student at Macewan University. I’m the Business Executive for BriM and I’m so excited to work with all of the team - executives, mentors and mentors - and to watch all the wonderful things we do together!
Sadiksha Khanal
Hi everyone! My name is Sadiksha Khanal and I am a second year undergraduate student studying biochemistry at the University of Alberta. I am the University mentor recruitment Executive for BriM and am very much excited to work with the mentors so they are able to provide support and guidance to our mentees!
Tejaswi Bhandari
Tejaswi is currently in grade 12 and she is one of two Intake Executives for BriM. She is delighted to be a part of the BriM team and hopes that all our mentors and mentees have a fulfilling time at BriM and that everyone can make the most of it!
Dip Khadka
Hello everyone! My name is Dip and I am a 12th grade student at Old Scona Academic. I am an Intake Executive for BriM and I am excited to be working with the BriM team. I hope that all our mentees and mentors have a great experience!