Mentorship Program

The 2024 OCA Mentorship Program encourages participants to engage in personal and professional development workshops, network with AAPI individuals who have carved out spaces for themselves in historically underrepresented industries, and learn how to mobilize change in their local communities through civic engagement and advocacy.

By bridging the gaps between generations of AAPI leaders, we are empowered to break through social and cultural expectations, take up space, and advocate for future generations to do the same.

*Note: you do NOT have to be of AAPI descent to participate in the program.

Add your email below to be notified when the mentorship program is open for applications.

For over the last decade, OCA’s mentorship program has helped to ensure that students are career and community ready. The program is open to individuals who fit in four categories: high school, undergraduate, graduate, and newly graduated young professionals.

During the three-month program, students will take part in workshops, hear from special guest speakers, and be paired up with mentors to develop and learn valuable insights related to career, service, and even life skills. After completing the program, mentees will graduate and can be placed into OCA’s various boards so they can continue building on their leadership skills and also contribute to making an impact on the community.

If you have any questions, please email ylc@ocalasvegas.org.

WORKSHOPS & EVENTS:

Students will be asked to attend the following workshops and events focused on various topics and with a range of guest speakers. Lunch will be provided.

Time and Location: 11am – 1pm, Location TBD

• Sat, Mar. 23rd: Orientation & Opening Reception (overview of OCA, the mentorship program, and ice breakers)
• Sat, Apr. 6th (Workshop #1): Personal Development & Leadership
• Sat, Apr. 20th (Workshop #2): Civic Engagement: Advocacy
• Sat, May 4th: Mentee Social
• Sat, May 18th (Workshop #3): Professional Development & Networking
• Sat, June 1st (Workshop #4): Civic Engagement: Finding Your Voice
• June 2024 (exact date TBD): Mentorship Program Graduation Celebration

MENTORSHIP:

When applying to the program, mentees will be asked to detail their passions and career interests. Based on these responses, OCA Las Vegas will connect them with mentors accordingly. These mentors are working professionals and leaders in the Las Vegas community who will provide guidance, insight, and first-hand experience for students to understand pathways to their future and careers.

Mentees and their mentors will schedule virtual discussions throughout the program period, with the goal of continuing this mentor/mentee relationship even beyond graduation.

Note: Mentors do NOT need to be of Asian American or Pacific Islander descent to participate.

*If you are an individual that would like to serve as a mentor to our 2024 mentees, complete our mentor form here.

OTHER PROJECTS:

In addition to attending workshops, mentees will be asked to complete a fun and easy reflection assignment that will help them prepare for the workshop discussions. Additionally, mentees may be asked to assist in OCA Las Vegas community projects and events.

BECOMING A BOARD MEMBER:

After graduating from the mentorship program, the journey does not end there! Mentees will have the option of furthering their leadership experience and become appointed to one of two OCA LV boards:

• OCA Las Vegas Youth Leadership Committee (high school & college students and young professional)
• OCA Las Vegas Board (graduating Youth Leadership Committee member)

1. High school, college students (both undergraduate and graduate), or young professionals who have just graduated from college.
2. Students must currently be attending or must have recently graduated from a school in the Greater Las Vegas area.
3. Any major or interest of study is welcome to apply.
4. Applicants do not need to be of Asian American and Pacific Islander descent.
5. Individuals who are driven to become community leaders, motivated to learn, and wanting to build on personal and professional development.

“Something that I’ve really taken from both of my mentors and the program was to say yes to any opportunity. In the beginning it was a no, but I gradually learned to take risks for opportunities.”

– Mentee, 2018

“I learned how to prioritize and balance work with my personal life through my mentors and the workshops in the program.”

– Mentee, 2016

“The mentors that I was connected to, have changed my view and pathway of my career that I could never have learn in school. After the mentorship program, they are always people that I rely on for guidance.”

– Mentee, 2014