The Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP) has announced the opening of applications for the next cohort of its highly regarded Mentorship Program, aimed at fostering professional growth and career advancement within the scholarly publishing community. The program is now accepting applications for both mentors and mentees, with a deadline of January 31, 2025, and the cohort running from February through August 2025.
An Opportunity for Professional Growth
Since its inception in 2017, the SSP Mentorship Program has played a crucial role in helping scholarly publishing professionals explore career pathways, broaden their understanding of industry trends, and enhance their professional networks. Open exclusively to SSP members, the program offers a unique opportunity for participants to engage in meaningful mentorship relationships that contribute to both professional and personal development.
Participants will be carefully matched by the SSP Career Development Committee, which pairs mentors and mentees based on complementary goals and skill sets. Selected individuals are expected to commit to monthly meetings over the six-month period, providing ample opportunity for information exchange, networking, and skill-building outside their immediate professional environments.
“Mentorship is invaluable at all career stages,” SSP representatives emphasized. “It offers a platform for participants to develop new connections, share experiences, and gain insights from professionals across the scholarly publishing industry.”
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
SSP strongly encourages individuals from diverse and traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to apply, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to fostering an inclusive scholarly publishing community. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) remain at the core of SSP’s mission, and the program seeks to create opportunities for individuals to contribute their unique perspectives and experiences.
“Our goal is to ensure that every voice is heard and valued in scholarly publishing,” an SSP spokesperson stated. “By encouraging participation from marginalized groups, we aim to enrich the experience for all involved and build a more equitable industry.”
Benefits for Mentors and Mentees
The program offers significant benefits to both mentors and mentees:
- For Mentors:
- The opportunity to give back to the scholarly publishing community.
- The satisfaction of sharing knowledge and shaping the careers of emerging professionals.
- A chance to expand their professional networks and gain new perspectives from mentees.
- For Mentees:
- Access to guidance and mentorship that provides valuable career insights.
- Opportunities to expand their professional networks.
- A platform to discuss ideas and projects with experienced professionals, enhancing self-confidence and professional outlook.
Program Sponsorship and Support
The SSP Mentorship Program is made possible through generous support from the American Geophysical Union (AGU) and ITHAKA, longstanding sponsors committed to advancing career development within the scholarly publishing community.
In addition, the program is sustained by the Generations Fund, an initiative fueled by contributions from SSP members and industry stakeholders. The fund aims to secure $500,000, ensuring the continued success and growth of the Mentorship Program for years to come.
Organizations interested in supporting the program can explore sponsorship opportunities by contacting [email protected], and individuals who wish to contribute can make a donation through SSP’s official website.
Application Process and Key Dates
Individuals interested in participating as either mentors or mentees are encouraged to apply before the deadline on January 31, 2025. Selected participants will be notified in mid-February, and the program will officially commence shortly thereafter.
To learn more about the SSP Mentorship Program, eligibility requirements, and the application process, please visit the SSP Mentorship Page.
Join SSP in shaping the future of scholarly publishing through mentorship and collaboration!