The Facilities Planning and Development Mentorship Program

“The goal of the mentorship program is to create a dynamic engagement process for students to interact
with built environment practitioners in an environment that promotes soft skill development, career readiness while imparting knowledge from the mentor to the mentee.”
- Rueben C. Smith, D.C.Sc., Vice Chancellor & Chief Facilities Executive

The mentorship program will be launched the summer of 2021.
- It seeks to partner LACCD students with industry professionals willing to guide them through the balance the critical skills learned in a classroom, on the job.
- It promotes “knowledge transfer” in design, construction, planning, environmental sustainability, business, maintenance, or facilities related field.
- It promotes professional development and career readiness.
- It provides the development of one-on-one partnerships through guided topics, suggested activities, and networking opportunities.
- It helps build emotional intelligence (self awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills) needed for career success.
- It creates a platform for the development of future leaders.
Together, we can create pathways beyond the classroom to guide a student for a lifetime! If you had ever wanted to return the favor - I hope you will consider signing up as a mentor.
40% of LACCD students are over age 25
17% of students are 35 or older
70% of students are underserved minorities
Mentorship Opportunities
- Job shadowing.
- Introduction to a professional environment.
- Introduction to community-based organizations.
- (USGBC –LA Chapter, CMAA, AIA, DBIA, etc…)
- Active construction job site observation.
- (i.e. Witness Concrete Pours and Crane Movement).
- Attend design review/peer review sessions with architect and engineers.
- Introduction to daily safety observations and awareness.
- Engage with faculty who are also industry professionals.

Engagement Process

- Profile Development Students Interests.
- Mentors Attributes Virtual Mentorship Mixer: Mentor & Match Process.
- Program Administrator Partnership Engagement.
- Disciple & Trade Coordination Monitor and Evaluate.
- Interactive Plan Engagement Guidelines.
- Apprenticeship and Internship Opportunities.