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 mentor below.
Mentee applications will open on September 8.
Presented by
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 mentees complete a project that puts what they're learning into practice.
You must live and work in the United States, Canada or the United Kingdom 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 Project
Mentees are assigned a project to complete over the course of the program. The projects are meant to help mentees reflect on their learnings from their mentor. Projects are submitted one week before the program ends. The top 3 project submissions will present their learnings at Graduation.
Kickoff & Orientation
The program kicks off on September 28 with an optional virtual group orientation & mixer. Meet other mentors & mentees and learn exactly what you will be accomplishing over the next nine weeks.
Mid-Program Workshops
We partnered with EmpathifyU to host a mid-program workshop for mentors & mentees. These optional workshops are designed to add value to both the mentor's & mentee's personal and professional growth. Topics covered include intention setting, establishing trust, and growing as a leader.
Mentee-Led Meetings
We ask mentors and mentees to meet one-on-one at least three times throughout the nine week program duration. Mentees will schedule meetings & come prepared with the agenda topics.
Graduation
The program concludes on November 25 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.