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Cohort 1 (Pilot)

Cohort 1 is a small, time-boxed pilot to validate the format, matching quality, and participant experience before scaling. The goal is consistency and learning, not volume.

Mentor intake window: Mon, Dec 15, 2025 – Fri, Jan 2, 2026

Sessions window: Mon, Jan 12 – Fri, Jan 30, 2026

Session format: 20–30 minute 1:1 sessions

Mentor commitment: 1–2 sessions in January (best-effort)

Mentee expectation: show up prepared with 1–3 focused questions

Scope

Mentors: targeted initial group (quality over quantity)
Mentees: mid-career (typically 5+ years experience)
Topics: system design, backend/distributed systems, interview strategy, resume feedback, career transitions, leadership navigation
Not included: referrals or job placement (mentorship only)

Timeline and deadlines

Dates shown in Pacific Time.

Mentor intake (Cohort 1): Mon, Dec 15, 2025 – Fri, Jan 2, 2026
Mentee applications: Mon, Dec 29, 2025 – Fri, Jan 2, 2026 (runs in parallel)
Matching + introductions: Mon, Jan 5 – Fri, Jan 9, 2026
Sessions: Mon, Jan 12 – Fri, Jan 30, 2026
Feedback + closeout: by Fri, Feb 6, 2026

How matching works in Cohort 1

Mentees apply with a short background + what they want help with.