The PIE is built out of a web of relationships across the campus, local government and local business. One of the best ways to get involved in this project is to serve as a mentor to a student going through the project or working on developing a new business in residency at the PIE.
Mentors function in advisory roles and provide a first point of contact to people in a specific industry segment that may raise and help address crucial questions in student projects’ development.
Mentors will be required to have at least bi-weekly interactions with the teams to assess progress and give guidance. Mentors can come from a variety of sources including:
• UCSC Faculty
• Local business owners
• Local chamber of commerce members
• Small Business Development Center
• Successful UCSC alumni and friends