The document summarizes a mentoring program called White Parachute that aims to connect students before tertiary education with industry professionals to help guide them in their career and life goals. The program involves profiling and matching students with mentors based on their goals, interests and experiences. Students and mentors then engage in monthly meetings over 12 months. The purpose is to help students gain access to industry advice and confidence through their mentor's experiences, while mentors can contribute their time and coaching skills.

2. Inspired by Richard N. Bolles’ phenomenal book, “What color is your
parachute?”, White Parachute calls for a diversity of talents and gifts,
especially amongst seemingly average students. When all the gifts
are together (where all the colors mixed), the result is white…
And who is seemingly average? The answer is most of us…
Source: Mark Manson, Google Books

3. Piloting the White Parachute
What is it?
White Parachute is simply a mentoring
program. About career. About life.
About people.
Who are involved?
Mentees: Students before they make
their steps and decisions towards
tertiary education.
Mentors: Industry practitioners from all
walks of life with 10 – 20 years of
experience.
With open minds and willing hearts.
Both sides.

4. Piloting the White Parachute
How does the selection work?
Profiling: A few questions to understand
all interested parties through a survey
Matching: Criterion based on goals,
industries, experiences (More art than
science). Depending on response, a
“speed-dating” style session may be
held.
What happens after?
12-month duration where students have
access to a network of industry
practitioners but also a dedicated
mentor

5. Piloting the White Parachute
Purpose: What is the desired outcome?
Students:
• Create access to industry practitioners
whom they can solicit advice and direction
on education and career. (Almost-pivotal
after ‘A’ levels)
• Empower and encourage them through
confidence building through mentors’
experiences
• First-hand experience on how to partner
with a mentor in a professional setting
Mentors:
• Create a platform where industry
practitioners can contribute to students by
giving back their time and sharing their
experiences
• Nurture their coaching and mentoring
skills
• First-hand opportunity for them to partner
the millennial generation to understand
their needs, challenges and desires

6. Piloting the White Parachute
Guidelines
• Monthly call, F2F meet up or a setting of
their choice (up to an hour per month)
• As this program is conducted in a
professional setting, texting and What’s
app are not encouraged as formal
engagement
• Students are encouraged to initiate
engagements with mentors
• A review session will be administered by
White Parachute after 6 months and at the
end of the program (To be reviewed with
school)
• Both mentor and student will respect each
other’s time and confidentiality
• For potential issues, White Parachute
team is always available for resolution

7. Applying for White Parachute:
Mentees
Applicants must craft response to 1
compulsory question and 2 other questions
of their choice. Each answer must be a
minimum of 3 paragraphs. When required,
mentees will also have a brief telephone call
to help match the right mentor
Compulsory: What are your career goals and
life goals?
Questions:
• What could you offer a mentor?
• What makes you unique?
• Who has been your greatest teacher?
• What is your greatest lesson?
• What could a mentor offer you?
• What inspires you to improve and get
better?
NOTE: Acceptance is not guaranteed but all
accepted students will be matched with a
mentor

8. Applying for White Parachute:
Mentors
Applicants must share their professional and
personal profile in less than 200 words and
craft response to 1 compulsory question and
2 other questions of their choice. .
Compulsory: In career and in life, are you
doing what you set out to achieve when you
were 17? If not, why? What gives?
Questions:
• What could you offer a mentee?
• Who has been your greatest teacher?
• What is your greatest lesson?
• What could a mentee offer you?
• What inspires you to improve and get
better?
NOTE:
Depending on the number of mentee
applicants, some mentors may be asked to
take on more than one student. Please
indicate so if you can only take on one
student.

9. How can teachers and principals
help?
• Pre-program: Identify students who might
need this and share more insights on the
students
• During program: Provide feedback on
program (once every six months)
Anderson Junior College:
Duration: September 2015 – September 2016
(Pilot), ahead of ‘A’ Levels
Student Group: Year 1
Deadline for application: To be discussed

10. All applications, queries to reach:
Linda Lee
White Parachute
whiteparachute.sg@gmail.com
Thank you!