Apply to be a Mentor
Happy Brain Education (HBE) is a not-for-profit organisation which provides mentoring, tutoring and support for young people to empower them to succeed and use their strengths to make the world a better place. In particular, HBE places significant importance on supporting those from disadvantaged backgrounds to promote equal opportunities for all students.
The HBE Mentoring Program offers mentoring services to young individuals from refugee backgrounds. The aim of the program is to empower and support young individuals to maximise their potential.
We are seeking individuals aged 18 — 25 who are either recent graduates of the VCE system or have a strong familiarity with it, enabling them to guide others through the process. This includes university students or recent graduates of university. If you do not meet this criteria, we still encourage you to apply, as there may be other opportunities for you within the team.
Mentors are expected to meet at least once a month for a duration of 1 year.
Email: mentorsupport@happybrain.org.au
Website: happybrain.org.au
Why Mentor?
Being a mentor provides a unique opportunity to make a difference in someone's life. The mentees benefit from this opportunity to improve their communication skills, build their confidence and increase their sense of connectedness.
Newly arrived to Australia, this extra one on one support is invaluable in assisting students navigate the Australian schooling system and beyond.
Success Stories
Hear from our dedicated mentors about their experiences and the meaningful connections they've built.
“The best thing about mentoring is getting to know a family rather than simply discussing abstractions with a brain in a classroom. It’s also fun meeting people from places I’ve never visited who speak languages I’d like to learn. Whenever I’ve been overseas for an extended period, I’ve been befriended by generous souls who have shown me a good time, and I’d like to keep working to realise the hope that we do the same for newcomers to Australia.”
Tim
HBE Mentor
“The most memorable moments for me have been watching my mentee slowly develop confidence in her own abilities and knowing that I may have helped her in some way to get there!”
Alisar
HBE Mentor
“I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know my mentee and their family over the years and seeing our relationship and bond flourish is a truly wonderful thing. I would definitely encourage others to be mentors because the work we do can add so much value to people’s lives. To be someone that others can trust and rely on is an incredible thing.”
Mariam
HBE Mentor
Key Responsibilities
Monthly Mentorship
Meet with your assigned mentee on a monthly basis to build a consistent and supportive relationship.
Guided Learning
Provide practical guidance on study skills, productivity, and personal development tailored to their needs.
Goal Achievement
Support the mentee in identifying, setting, and achieving their unique academic and career goals.
Continuous Growth
Attend training or development workshops provided by HBE to enhance your own mentorship skills.
Skills Required
A genuine passion for helping disadvantaged youth.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to commit to monthly mentoring sessions and provide consistent support.
Willingness to obtain a Working With Children Check if not already held.
Mentor
Intakes
Our next mentoring cohort is assembling. We are looking for passionate individuals to join us for the early 2026 intake.
Applications Open
16 January 2026
Applications Close
8 February 2026
Intake Starts In
Mentor FAQ
What is the time commitment?
As part of the program, it is expected that you catch up with your mentee for a minimum of 8 sessions over a course of 12 months. Mentors and students arrange sessions based on their own availability at a time and place convenient to you both. We encourage you to aim to schedule sessions fortnightly or monthly, but ultimately, it is quite flexible and dependent on both of your availability. Sessions can be less frequent during exam time or school holidays.