Since Imagine Cup began 10 years ago, over one million students from more than 180 countries
have registered. By supporting Imagine Cup, you raise your visibility as an agent of change, inspire
eager students to shine and build a brighter future.
Mentors
Each team nominates a mentor who inspire, advise and guide them every step of the
way. Mentors can either come from the university the competing team attends or are
sourced from industry. Teachers can’t come up with the solutions – that's the students'
job – but they can help by answering questions, discussing issues that arise, reminding
students of upcoming deadlines, providing a forum to brainstorm and challenging
students to think big and follow their dreams.
Mentor FAQ
Can anyone be a mentor?
Anyone can do it — an industry professional, faculty member,
Microsoft student intern, a not-for-profit organization member or a private sector company employee, or even a former competitor. The only
people who can't be mentors are current competition judges.
How do I become a mentor?
Start by registering
as a mentor. Or, visit the Mentor Forum to learn more and meet other mentors.
What is my role as a mentor?
Do what you can to help your team. You might help brainstorm for project ideas, talk about
progress, or even moderate discussions and clarify answers. You'll also want to help your team organize tasks and timelines, and figure out roles and responsibilities. What you
don't want to do is lead discussions, control the group in any way, or contribute to any of the work related to the team's competition entry.
How much of a time commitment is mentoring?
It depends on your skills and the needs of the team. In general, you should expect
to spend between half a day and one day per week with your team as competition deadlines approach.
What about remote mentoring?
You're not required to be in the same geographic area as your team, but it does make day-to-day
coaching easier.
Does every team need a mentor?
No, but having a mentor is a good idea so that teams have steady access to advice,
information, and support.
It is recommended, but not required, that each team have one (1) mentor in addition to your Team members. Limit one (1) mentor per Team.
A mentor can be from an educational institution, a not-for-profit organization or a private sector company. Please note: IT Challenge is an individual competition and
does not have mentors.
Can I mentor more than one team?
Yes.
Imagine Cup Mentor:
Register to become a mentor |
More information (PDF ~990kb)
Faculty
Universities throughout Australia have found great value including Imagine Cup on the syllabus using the case studies
of previous winners as inspiration and setting assignments around coming up with ideas that can be entered into the Cup.
Interested in getting your classroom involved in the 2012 competition?
Contact the Imagine Cup Team
6-10 July, 2012
Worldwide website
