Mentorship Program
Network. Grow. Lead.
SAIS pairs rising South Asian talent with experienced mentors across the sports industry for nine weeks of guided growth.
Our Fall 2026 cohort launches on September 28.
Apply to join as a mentee below (54 spots available).
Mentees must be Premium SAIS Members to participate.
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The Program
Sports careers are built on relationships as much as resumes. Our Fall Mentorship Program connects mentees with mentors who've already done the work, opened doors, and are ready to help someone else do the same.
From September 28 through November 25, matched pairs meet regularly, work toward real goals, and complete a structured curriculum built on trust and accountability.
You must live and work in the United States, Canada or the United Kingdom, and be a Premium SAIS Member to participate.
How It Works
The SAIS Mentorship Program is mentee-led, meaning mentees drive the conversation, set the agenda, schedule the meetings, and complete a project to reflect on their learnings.
Matched with intention
Every pair is matched using the Arena matching algorithm, built around your goals, experience, career direction, and preferences. This isn't a random draw. It's a match designed to actually move you forward.
Mentee Journey
Mentees will follow the CARES framework throughout the program: Communication, Accountability, Relationships, Empathy, and Skill Set. Each mentorship session comes with goals to accomplish and mentees complete a self-reflection assignment to present at the end of the progra
Kickoff & Orientation
The program kicks off on September 28 with a virtual workshop introducing the mentorship program curriculum, expectations, and participants. Followed by a facilitated workshop from EmpathifyU.
Mid-Program Workshops
Our partners at EmphatifyU host a mid-program check-in for mentors & mentees. This session is designed to add value to both the mentor's & mentee's personal and professional growth.
Mentor Development
Our partners at EmpathifyU host a dedicated virtual workshop exclusively for mentors focused on building trust, conflict resolution, and coaching best practices.
Graduation
The program concludes on November 20 with a virtual Graduation and sendoff. Attendees will hear from the 3 winning mentee projects, provide feedback on the program overall, and leave with actionable next steps.