Mentorship, on-campus connection & employment for individuals
My Outlet brings together mentors and mentees in an authentic environment to leverage knowledge and lived experience that paves pathways, builds confidence and gives back.
The Beacon by My Outlet is a new outreach program designed for university students to build community, introduce actionable tools and skills, and establish a shared understanding of neuroinclusive spaces.
My outlet finds your match:
Take the stress out of finding the right social and mentorship pairing, and let My Outlet create this space for you based on your interests and needs.
Flexible group settings:
We provide flexible group settings (with virtual, or in-person environments), removing the logistics so you can focus on the social and mentorship pieces of the program.
Open to all:
No red tape, no pre-requisites and no defined skill set requirements. Just show up with integrity, aligned values and honest curiosity and the door is open. It's as simple as that.
Mentors and mentees benefit:
We are creating vocational and employment opportunities. This is happening internally within our organization, and externally in collaboration with partner organizations holding shared values, including our vision for a neuroinclusive future.
Mentors, mentees and employees benefit
Be seen and understood
Find your crew and explore different topics, ideas, challenges, and opportunities. Remove the structure and performance expectations of a school or home environment, and immerse yourself in a conversation where you are seen and understood.
Build your navigation system
No one (well, almost no one) expects you to have it all figured out by the end of high school or early in your post-secondary journey. Lean on those who came before you—ask questions, gain perspective, and use that reflection to build your own navigation system.
Lasting relationships
A mentor-mentee relationship is invaluable. It is a special bond that pays dividends today and in the future. The lessons and support acquired will be invaluable as you start on your career journey, and will stay with you for a lifetime.
Impartial ..... because sometimes you don't want attention
As much as parents, siblings and friends may want to provide support, sometimes it's just easier to talk when your audience doesn't know you, or have any opinions. The My Outlet mentorship program offers you that space and privacy.
Give back by becoming a mentor
You didn't travel all this way for nothing. Leverage your skills and lived experience to pay it forward to someone a few steps behind. Boost your confidence by realizing how far you've really come, and get access to a network of mentors where you will collectively become stronger as a team.
Take the plunge
The same way first time parents typically feel unprepared to be parents, you may feel perpetually unready or unqualified to be a mentor. Put an end to the negative self talk, and try it on. We're ready for you, and you will surprise yourself!
Build profile and expand your network
Join a network of mentors, mentees, professionals, and organizations that will help you build your profile and expand your network. You may be surprised by what you find!
Unchartered territory
Be part of new wave, a culture, a brand that says "I think outside the box, I work and lead differently, and I'm proud of it.
How does it work?
As a mentee in the program, you will have access to a pool of mentors and other mentees on a regular basis. You will also be kept in the know about internal employment and volunteer opportunities within My Outlet, as well as opportunities with partner organizations that My Outlet is collaborating with to create real world work experiences for our mentees.
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Mentor position
We offer small group mentor/mentee sessions in a virtual format. Weekly small group get togethers provide ongoing support and community, while 1:1 mentor/mentee pairings allow for more personal and targeted conversations at a mutually convenient time. As a mentor in the program, you will share your insights, experience and expertise, supporting your mentees with (i) identifying potential job interests or (ii) supporting them as they take their first steps in a new job, which may be their first!
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Mentee position
As a mentee, you will get access to a pool of mentors, where you can discuss your interests, explore different vocational pathways, and benefit from their valuable lived experience. You can ask questions and share experiences in a safe environment, where there's no judgement and no stigma.
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Employment opportunities
Your lived experience offers a unique advantage within and beyond the My Outlet hub. We collaborate directly with external organizations sharing My Outlet's values to eliminate the red tape and break down barriers to entry. This allows our youth easier access to the valuable hands on experiences they critically need to become independent and prosperous contributors to our economy.
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The Beacon
University can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. The Beacon creates a welcoming space where neurodivergent students and allies connect, share experiences, and grow together in a supportive community where everyone belongs.
Whether you identify as neurodivergent or as an ally, this program gives you the chance to build confidence, gain career-ready skills, and find a community that values inclusion. By participating in Beacon events, webinars and mixers, you help foster a culture of empathy and understanding, creating a society that celebrates diverse perspectives.
What you will get:
A chance to benefit from others' experience, and let them benefit from yours, depending on your life stage, circumstances, and individual needs, which can fluctuate from time to time.
A safe space to share experiences, reflect, learn, and grow in a supportive community environment.
Access to My Outlet's research, network and other resources.
An exciting environment to find inspiration, growth and community.