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NAECAD Collegiate Mentor Program

Esports is an incredible profession, but going it alone is neither sustainable nor the most effective path.
The NAECAD Collegiate Mentor Program brings coaches and directors together to share experiences, foster fellowship, and pursue growth.

Small groups of three to five members are assembled with a lead mentor to connect virtually once a month from August through May. Join us in this mentorship journey!

Signups for the 2026-27 program are open July 22 – August 9. Gatherings begin in August.

See full details below.

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"The NAECAD mentor program offered real enlightenment and real time answers to questions I had. I valued the focused direction of the sessions and I found the resources provided to the cohort useful."
Program DirectorNCAA Division I
The program was an invaluable outlet to share my concerns and thoughts with others who had extensive experience navigating many of the challenges I was facing. Having that mentorship and perspective was truly a lifesaver and helped me feel far less alone as I learned how to lead and develop a program.
Esports Graduate AssistantNCAA Division 1
The mentor program gave me a sounding board with others who'd solved a lot of the same problems I was facing, which made this an incredibly rewarding resource. The conversations around program culture and recruiting were invaluable lessons I'll carry with me the rest of my career.
Esports CoordinatorNCAA Division 3

Program Goals

  • Promote continual growth and development
  • Foster fellowship and engagement across regions and divisions
  • Provide mutual encouragement, advice, and support 
  • Engage various perspectives on coaching and directing skills, knowledge, and philosophies

Program Details

Mentor & Mentee Requirements

Mentors should have a minimum of five or more years of head coaching or directing experience. Mentees can have any level of experience. All need to be current NAECAD members to be eligible to participate.

2026-27 Program Timeline:

The NAECAD Collegiate Mentor Program runs from August through June:

  • July 22: Signups open
  • August 9: Signups close
  • August 12: Orientation Meeting (all mentees and mentors)
    • Option 1: 11:00am CST
    • Option 2: 8:00pm CST
  • August-May: Monthly mentor group meetings (online)
  • June 15-17, 2027: Mentor program celebration at the NAECAD National Convention in Marshalltown, IA.

Program Structure

Following mentor and mentee matching, all participants will attend a virtual orientation. Mentorship groups will then meet virtually on a monthly basis to cover a mixture of pre-established and group decided topics. Mentorship groups will have the opportunity to meet in person at the annual NAECAD National Convention.

Register Today