Thank you so much for your interest in becoming a mentor with Outside Looking In (OLI)!
We deeply value our growing Tech For Life partnership with Sun Life, which has enabled us to enhance our programming for OLI Alumni. Designed for graduates of OLI’s high school Dance and Future Leaders programs, this initiative empowers Indigenous youth to explore career opportunities after high school while continuing their studies as mature students or pursuing post-secondary education.
Our new Future Leaders Next Level Program provides OLI Alumni with a Certificate in Professional Studies, immersive career exploration, virtual and in-person mentorship, and paid work experience opportunities. Participants will have the chance to explore five target career streams:
- Trades and Technology
- Climate and Environmental Leadership
- Public Service (justice, policing, firefighting, military etc.)
- The Arts
- Finance and Entrepreneurship
Mentorship with OLI is a two-way learning experience, providing both mentors and mentees with fresh insights, mutual growth, and shared inspiration. As a mentor, your role is essential in supporting participants as they build skills, gain confidence, and prepare for meaningful careers. We have included a brief overview of the program and key dates to keep in mind:
Program Overview
- Weekly Virtual Sessions: Tentatively scheduled for Tuesday evenings (January 2025 - May 2025).
- Mentors will be invited to join bi-weekly sessions to connect with their mentees.
- Mentor time commitment: approximately 2-3 virtual hours/month.
- Sun Life's Discovery Week in Toronto: March 4–6, 2025.
- For mentors located in the GTA, there will be an opportunity for mentors/mentees to meet in person during Discovery Week. More details to follow soon!
- Annual Camp/Show in Toronto: End of April/early May 2025.
- Participants can apply for employment opportunities and attend a graduation ceremony to receive their Certificate during the Annual Show on May 9, 2025.
- All mentors are invited and encouraged to attend the Annual Show if possible!
Onboarding Process for New and Returning Mentors:
- Complete Application Form below
- For new mentors, OLI Program Staff will reach out to schedule an introductory call.
- For all mentors, OLI will need to complete a Vulnerable Sector Check with your consent.
- Attend a Mentor Orientation Session in late January (new and returning mentors).
- Mentor/mentee introductions will be facilitated by OLI Program Staff!
If you have any questions about mentoring with OLI, please don't hesitate to email Safa (sahmed@olishow.com) or Fabi (fspiessruef@olishow.com).