Initiative

NextGen Mentoring Program

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Building the Future of Broadband Leadership

The NextGen Mentoring Program, an SCTE Foundation initiative, connects early- to mid-career broadband professionals with experienced industry leaders who can offer guidance, share perspective, and help them navigate what comes next.

Following a successful inaugural pilot, NextGen is growing its impact across engineering, technology, operations, and other technical career paths. Building on SCTE’s strong tradition of mentorship, including the TechConnect Mentoring Program with The WICT Network, the program recognizes that careers are built not only through knowledge and experience, but through the relationships, encouragement, and connections we make along the way.

The NextGen Experience

Mentors and mentees are thoughtfully matched based on their goals, interests, and experience. Through meaningful one-on-one conversations, participants build relationships while learning from one another and focusing on:

Career Development –Explore professional goals, technical growth, certifications, and career pathways.
Leadership Growth – Build confidence, communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
Industry Connection –Develop lasting relationships and expand professional networks across the broadband community.

Grow Your Career. Help Shape Someone Else’s.

NextGen is strengthened by the people who participate. Whether you are an emerging professional looking for guidance or an experienced industry leader ready to give back, there is a place for you in the program.

Become a Mentee and gain a trusted resource as you navigate your next stage of professional growth.

Become a Mentor and share your experience, perspective, and knowledge with the next generation of broadband talent.

Through NextGen, the SCTE Foundation is investing in more than careers. We’re building connections, strengthening our industry, and developing the people who will lead broadband forward

Leadership Development: Five Degrees of Change – Small Shifts, Big Impact

As part of the NextGen mentoring experience, participants will take part in Five Degrees of Change: Small Shifts, Big Impact, led by Executive coach and Leadership Expert Shannon Cassidy, founder of Bridge Between, Inc.

Integrated throughout the program, Five Degrees complements one-on-one mentoring by helping participants strengthen self-awareness, resilience, emotional intelligence, and purposeful leadership through small, intentional shifts.

Participants will also receive the Five Degrees of Change workbook, providing a practical tool for reflection, action, and continued growth.

Timeline & How to Apply

Applications for the NextGen Mentoring Program open in September 2026 and close in December 2026
Selected mentors and mentees will be thoughtfully matched based on their goals, interests, and experience.
Participants will be notified following the application period, with the six-month mentoring program beginning in early 2027.

Participation is open to SCTE members, chapter representatives, and broadband professionals looking to grow their careers, build meaningful relationships, and become more connected to the industry and its future.

NextGen Mentoring Program

Application Form

Please indicate:(Required)

I would like to participate as a Mentor

I would like to participate as a Mentee

Name

First Last

Title/Role

Organization

Phone

Address

City State / Province / Region

Years in the Broadband/Media/Technology Industry:

Less than 3 years

3-5 years

5-10 years

10+ years

Pairing Questions

1. Briefly describe your current role and primary responsibilities.

2. What motivated you to join the NextGen Mentoring Program?

3. What areas of development or expertise are you most interested in exploring through this experience?

(e.g., leadership and communication, technical skills, career planning, inclusion and collaboration, confidence, innovation)

4. Describe one small “5-degree change” you want to make this year.

5. What’s one quality you bring to a mentoring relationship?

Signature (or typed name):

Date

Please note: All fields must be filled out before submission. For submission issues, please contact Kerry Hannay at KHannay@sctefoundation.org

Be Part of What’s Next

Help shape the next generation of broadband leaders.

Whether you’re ready to share your experience as a mentor or grow your career as a mentee, NextGen is a place to connect, learn, lead, and grow with the SCTE Foundation.