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Hawk Mentorship Program

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The Hawk Mentorship Program is a collaboration between UHCL's Alumni Relations and the Center for Career Development.

After a successful pilot program in 2025, we're thrilled to launch the inaugural full program in the 2025-2026 academic year. The Hawk Mentorship Program bridges generations of excellence by connecting current students with accomplished alumni Your mentorship can empower students to create a game plan for the year ahead, explore career possibilities and even begin to build their network.

Photo of Hawk Mentorship Program participants

Photo of Hawk Mentorship Program participants at a table

How It Works

  1. Read through the FAQs below – let us know if you have any questions.
  2. Complete the mentor application – Deadline is September 12, 2025.
  3. Confirm participation – we'll send you an official invitation!
  4. Complete agreement and background check.
  5. Get Matched – We pair participants based on shared interests, career goals and availability.
  6. Connect & Collaborate – Get to know each other, set goals and build a relationship that supports mutual goals.
  7. Events and check-ins – We'll invite you to these along the way!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why join the Hawk Mentorship Program?

Reasons to be an Alumni Mentor:

  • Give back by sharing your journey and expertise, and what your experiences have taught you.
  • Stay connected with your alma mater and its evolving community.
  • Inspire the next generation of leaders.
  • Acquire experience in coaching and fostering the talent of current Hawks
  • Increase the value of a UHCL degree by investing in student success
  • Network with other alumni mentors

Are there any prerequisites to be a mentor?

Applicants must have either completed three or more years of professional experience after earning their first undergraduate degree, and having completed a professional degree in 2022 or earlier. Mentors will be selected for their wealth of real-world, occupational, and professional experience.

What is expected of me as a mentor?

Upon your selection as a mentor, you commit to a mentorship from October 2025 until June 2026. We require at least one meaningful meeting each month, but can be more often if you’d like. You must be willing to listen, be open about sharing your experiences, commit effort to the mentoring relationship, encourage your mentee, and lead by example.

Do I have to be in the Clear Lake area to participate?

You do not have to be in the Clear Lake area to participate. Virtual platforms have made it possible to engage from a far, and we'll work to match you with a mentee that is ok with virtual participation.

How will a match be made?

We will work to match you with a student based on each of your preferences, taking in to account interests, preference and career goals. In some cases it will be based on major, industry, location, and more.

How many students can I mentor?

We recommend you mentor one to two students throughout the year. Most of our volunteers choose to mentor one student.

Are events mandatory?

They are not required, but we hope you find one that may be of interest, or that can assist you both in the mentorship journey. They will also give you the chance to meet other mentors/mentees, and practice some of those networking skills.

What if I want to continue mentoring the student beyond the academic year?

You are welcome to continue the mentoring relationship if you're both interested in doing so.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Mentor Application

Have Questions?

Please contact alumni@uhcl.edu.

Photo of Rafael de la Torre

Rafael de la Torre
'07 MS

I joined the Hawk Mentorship Program because I want to help others prepare for their journeys after graduation

Photo of Estella Hernández Gillette

Dr. Estella Hernández Gillette
'86 BBA, '94 MA

The most valuable part of the mentorship experience was exchanging viewpoints; I learned from my mentee

 

Contact

  • Alumni Association

    Phone: 281-283-2021
    Fax: 281-283-2017
    Email: alumni@uhcl.edu

    Bayou Building B2508
    2700 Bay Area Blvd, Box 318
    Houston, TX 77058-1002