The 2009-2010 AIGA Cincinnati Mentoring program is about to start up again. It was a huge success last year, and they're looking for participants.

For those of you that don't know about the program, it's purpose is to introduce senior design majors at local design programs to professionals. There are networking events, agency tours, printer tours, creative projects, and the final event is the portfolio review. The organizers try to pair students and professionals that are close to each other (UD and Sinclair both have students in the program).

For those of you interested in becoming a mentor, this is what they've got to say to you:

Now, the title of MENTOR, can be intimidating, but this year the Mentoring Program has been redesigned for self-starters. Outside of the monthly events, planned by the Mentoring Committee, scheduling additional meetings is up to you or your mentee. You'll make your own mentoring match, set your own schedule, forget your own experience and build a relationship that can last for years to come. What we will do is provide a solid starting point. We will update you with plenty of great tips on growing together and host events that lend themselves to building the relationships you seek.

As a mentor you will be provided with some guidance on how to build a relationship with a mentee. You will be invited to attend the monthly events where you will network to find the most compatible mentor/mentee match. On your own, you will be charged with the task of maintaining the relationship by utilizing our facebook group, mentoring web site and planning your own in-person meetings.

This program isn't possible without the participation of design professionals. WE NEED YOU!

If you want to be a mentor or mentee, sign up here and don't delay. Events start late October and that's not very far down the road.

EDIT: My 2 cents on this: Anyone who's been in a mentor role can tell you that one of the best ways to learn is to teach. By taking on a mentee, you'll build a relationship you didn't have before, you'll be doing your bit to improve the local scene (especially if you encourage your mentee to focus on finding a job in the area), and if you're lucky, you might even find yourself challenged and inspired.