Now in its fifth successful year, Dalhousie University’s National Mentoring Program has accepted two Management and two Commerce students into a summer work program to benefit worthy charitable organizations in Nova Scotia and Ontario.

The National Mentoring Program (NMP) is based on an innovative philanthropic model, using mentorship and leadership-training to link students, corporate executives and charitable organizations in a unique and mutually beneficial partnership. Although there are plenty of advantages for each participant, the overall goal of the National Mentoring Program is to better our communities and build a reputation for social responsibility.

The support of corporate sponsors, Nova Scotia Power, Emera Energy and Procter and Gamble, enables the 2012 student participants to merge their business talents with social consciousness. Guided by a mentor from the sponsoring company, each student will spend their summer months developing strategic projects with their selected charity:

1. Third year Management student, Alexa Reedman will work at the Canadian Cancer Society developing tribute programs. Alexa will be mentored by Heather Keeler-Hurshman, Interim VP Finance with Emera Energy.
2. Third year Commerce student, Becky Richter will work at Big Brothers, Big Sisters preparing 2013 Anniversary Celebrations, (45 years in Halifax and 100 years in Canada). Becky will be mentored by Lia MacDonald, Director of Field Operations with Nova Scotia Power.
3. Third Year Management student, Ashley Childs will work at Clean Nova Scotia developing a pilot to introduce rain barrels into the community. Ashley will be mentored by Roger Burton, Director of Projects with Nova Scotia Power.
4. Third year Commerce student, Patrick Auld will work at Junior Achievement of Central Ontario developing an entrepreneurial program for high school students. Patrick will be mentored by Mike Kerwin, Senior Account Executive with Proctor and Gamble.

Ray Kirk, Manager of Strategic HR at Nova Scotia Power / Emera Energy speaks about the advantages of being a committed corporate sponsor for Dalhousie’s National Mentoring Program, “This successful program meets all our objectives for charitable giving. The not-for-profits receive assistance that enables them to accomplish significant business type goals with very little administration on their part. The students receive assistance in the forms of a job, experience, and the ear/counseling of someone with real life business experience. While our mentors receive experience developing as a leader, as well as an overall satisfaction knowing they are helping out. Truly a win-win-win!”

Graduating Management student and 2011 National Mentoring Program participant, Chris Carson speaks about his experience working with The United Way, “The National Mentoring Program has been a life changing experience. This program has allowed me to utilize my business education to help a not-for-profit advance on a variety of projects. By having a mentor assist me along the way, I was able to develop a project that had tangible results in the community. Through the NMP, I had the privilege of getting to know the needs of my community, gain employable skills, and truly understand the fundamental values of corporate social responsibility – that are essential for the future leaders of tomorrow. Thanks to the generosity of the corporate sponsor, Nova Scotia Power, this has been the best summer job I’ve ever had!”