ELAI Mentoring

For students and young professionals navigating the early stages of a research career, mentorship and community can be the difference between finishing a graduate program and stepping away from one. The guidance of a mentor can shift the entire trajectory of a career. At ELAI, we're building the next generation of AI leaders — and mentors like you make that possible.

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7K
Hours supporting Mentees
739
Volunteers in our community
1.5K
Mentees Supported
About our Mentees
Mentees are scholars and professionals pursuing an MS or PhD in computer science, engineering, artificial intelligence, or related fields such as data analytics and public policy. Many are global participants navigating the often opaque admissions process for European and American programs. Admissions processes for competitive graduate programs can be difficult to navigate, particularly for first-generation students and international applicants working without access to established networks or guidance.
The Value of Having a Mentor
Mentee Testimony

"Participating in the Emerging Leaders in AI program has been a transformative experience. The mentorship from AI leaders and the structured approach to the graduate admission process provided invaluable support as I navigated my PhD applications. Moreover, forming connections and learning from a diverse cohort of aspiring AI professionals has enriched my journey, empowering me to break through barriers and confidently pursue my ambitions in the AI field."

Sitota Ezra Mersha

Ph.D. Candidate in Computer Science and Engineering,
University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI, USA)

Choose How You'd Like to Mentor

We know our volunteers have varying schedules, so ELAI offers multiple, flexible ways to be involved. Your participation is a catalyst - helping the next generation of AI leaders grow and ensuring our ELAI participants feel confident and supported to take their next steps with purpose.

One-on-One Mentor

1 hour per student per month

September–March

Providing general feedback and support to individual candidates.

Application Packet Reviewer

3 hours per student, returned within 7 workdays

August–March

Providing feedback on Curricula Vitae (CVs), Statements of Purpose (SOP), and Personal Statements.

Mock
Interviewer

1 hour per student, as needed

December- March
(Slots open in August)

One-on-one coaching for graduate admissions interviews

You may sign up for one or more support options above
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Frequently Asked Questions

What mentor profiles are preferred?
We're looking for academics and practitioners with an MS, PhD, or equivalent experience in an AI-related field who are willing to share their knowledge and experience. An effective ELAI mentor doesn't need to know everything about graduate admissions. We value mentors who are willing to listen and understand a mentee's goals and circumstances, comfortable guiding mentees while allowing them to make their own decisions, committed to demystifying the graduate admissions process, and able to commit approximately one to two hours per month during the mentoring cycle.
How does Black in AI measure success?
A successful mentoring cycle isn't defined only by whether a mentee receives an admission offer – graduate admissions depend on many factors outside the control of both mentor and mentee. We consider a cycle successful when the mentor and mentee establish clear expectations and communicate consistently, application materials become clearer, stronger, and better aligned with the mentee's goals, the mentee develops an increased sense of belonging, and the mentee leaves the program with a stronger sense of preparedness for graduate school.
Do I need to know all geographical application processes to be a mentor?
No. You're not expected to understand the admissions process for every country, university, or educational system. Mentors can contribute based on the systems, disciplines, institutions, or regions they know best. Where a mentee is applying to an unfamiliar region, you can help by identifying the right questions to ask, providing general graduate application guidance, and comparing offers based on your own experience. We encourage mentors to be transparent about the limits of their knowledge rather than making assumptions. ELAI is designed as a community of support, so mentees can also draw on external resources, application reviewers, and other volunteers with relevant regional experience. Your ability to ask thoughtful questions, share transferable advice, and help a mentee evaluate reliable information is often just as valuable as direct regional expertise.
Do I need prior mentoring or coaching experience?
No. Prior mentoring or coaching experience is helpful, but not required. Many strong mentors begin by drawing on their own experiences as graduate students, applicants, researchers, or professionals. What matters most is your willingness to listen, communicate respectfully, provide constructive feedback, and follow through on agreed commitments. ELAI provides mentors with guidance, resources, suggested discussion topics, and information about program expectations, and you're always encouraged to ask questions or seek support from the program team when you hit something outside your experience. You don't need to have all the answers — you just need to be willing to help a mentee find them.