Mentoring-2-Excellence (M2E) Program: Apprentice Overview

Image of MN State outline on a white background with a gray circle. The seven county metro is outlined in gray, while the remaining image is in teal. The teal color represents Greater MN; the area in which the grant serves.

This program is offered for free for certified, non-certified, and educational interpreters who reside in Greater Minnesota. Mentoring sessions are held virtually.

Interpreters are paired with Deaf or hearing interpreter mentors. Opportunities are provided for interpreters to exercise a variety of skills including: ASL linguistics, ASL-to-English interpreting, English-to-ASL interpreting, cultural mediation, and more. Mentors are there to support the interpreters’ goals, with a focus on increasing interpreters’ confidence and skills when accepting community assignments.

Mentoring Resources

Resources

Steps to Become an M2E Apprentice

Step One - Reside in Greater MN

What defines Greater MN? Greater Minnesota refers to the area outside the seven-county metro area. The counties that are excluded from being recognized as Greater MN are:

• Anoka
• Scott
• Carver
• Dakota
• Ramsey
• Hennepin
• Washington

Step Two - Be Committed

The M2E Program runs between 15-20 weeks – duration may vary depending on the year. Apprentices can complete up to 15 mentoring sessions with their assigned mentor. They are required to complete pre- and post- skills assessments and a pre-, mid-, and post-program evaluation.

Step Three - Apply

Applicants are asked to view the list current of mentors on our website and select their top three choice of mentors. We do not guarantee any placements. All applicants are required to record an introduction video, fill-out a pre-program evaluation, and submit a pre-skills assessment cold interpreting video. *Video will be provided.

Application Requirements:

Introduction

Submit a video answering the following questions in ASL:

1. Introduction (name, where you live, graduation year, and interpreting experience.)
2. Describe your strengths and weaknesses in English-to-ASL and ASL-to-English interpreting.
3. What goals do you want to achieve during this mentoring program? (i.e. ASL receptive skills, classifiers, fingerspelling, incorporate more ASL features into your interpreting, etc.)
4. Why do you want to be involved in the Mentoring-2-Excellence Program?

Program Evaluations

You will be required to complete a pre-, mid-, and post-program evaluation.This evaluation will be used to rate your level of confidence when accepting and working in freelance settings.

Skills Assessments

The Skills Assessment will be emailed separately.

The M2E Program requires a pre- and post-skills assessment. These assessments will be utilized to best pair you with your mentor and track the progress of your skills from the beginning to the end of the program.

Technology Requirements:
1. Internet access
2. Solid backdrop
3. Computer with a comfortable size screen to view the stimulus materials
4. Webcam (either internal or external) to record your assessments
5. Test camera set up for signing space – should see signs HEAVEN and BABY

Apply

Who Are the Mentors?

Meet Our Mentors!

Our mentors demonstrate qualifications in ASL linguistics, ASL-to-English interpreting, English-to-ASL interpreting, cultural mediation, and more. Mentors are there to support the interpreters’ goals, with a focus on increasing interpreters’ confidence and skills when accepting community assignments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is this free mentoring for everyone?

The Mentoring-2-Excellence Program is provided by ASLIS and is supported by grant funding from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division. Therefore, this program is offered for free for non-certified, educational, and certified interpreters who reside in Greater MN.

For non Greater Minnesota residence, visit ASLIS’ Mentoring Services page for mentoring opportunities. https://www.aslis.com/mentoring/

What defines Greater MN?

Greater MN is defined as any counties located outside of the 7 county Metro. Counties that are excluded from being considered Greater MN are: Ramsey, Washington, Hennepin, Dakota, Scott, Anoka, Carver.

What is a virtual mixer meeting?

A virtual mixer meeting is a one-hour program event. During this meeting, you will participate in fun activities designed to help you discovering your strengths and weaknesses.

This event is a gem because you will get a chance to meet other apprentices and the mentors in the program. This allows for a networking opportunity and chance to see if you would like to meet with other mentors in the program.

What if I want to participate in the M2E Program but can’t make it to the virtual mixer meeting?

It is important to attend all program events, if at all possible. Contact the Program Coordinator.

My question is not here!

Testimonials

You get out of it what you put into it! It is for you to lead the bus.

Becky Manske

Northwest Apprentice - Spring 2020

Don’t be afraid to give it a chance. The mentors are here to help you and see you succeed.

Samantha Bailey

Northeast Apprentice - Spring 2020

I achieved, perhaps even went beyond my goals. I entered the program looking to work on my skills and what I found was not only skill improvement, but also increased confidence in my signing production and use of the language. My growth was not only in my skills, but also in my confidence in interpreting things that weren’t always in my comfort zone.

Becky Malcolm

Central Apprentice - Spring 2020

The mentors are amazing and will work with you and your goals. Try to identify what you want to work on and come with a plan. Then make the mentorship a priority. This is an amazing opportunity, make the best of it.

Jeannie Osburn

Northeast Apprentice - Spring 2020

Let your wall down and don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. If you’re open and willing to see your weaknesses and truly want to improve, you will be successful in the program and be able to meet your goals!

Sally Lunde

Northwest Apprentice - Spring 2020

The E2E program pushes you out of your comfort zone in order to guide you to growth. Every interpreter has room to grow, improve and reflect upon self with feedback. The mentors allow you a safe and supportive space to build you up whiling teaching and showing you what your needs for improvement are.

Jana Martin

Northwest Apprentice - Spring 2020

My advice would be to take advantage of the time you have with your mentors. They are experts in the subject matter and know how to push you and help develop your skills. Trust the process and give it all you’ve got.

Michelle Remer

Northwest Apprentice - Spring 2020

Do it!!! You will learn and grow! It is always good to keep practicing and improving. There is always something we can learn.

Kaitlyn Theisen

Northwest Apprentice - Spring 2020

The Mentoring-2-Excellence Program is provided by ASLIS and is supported by grant funding from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division.