On December 11–12, 2025, the final pitching of the second stage of piloting mentoring and tutoring schemes within the framework of the EU Erasmus+ project 101082696-PROMENT “Promoting professional education and active participation of students through the formation of a comprehensive system of mentoring and tutoring in higher education institutions” took place at the Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University. The event was held in a hybrid format and brought together mentors, tutors, mentees and mentees from different faculties and areas of professional activity.

The pitching became a platform for exchanging experience, presenting the results achieved, and establishing professional contacts. The participants were welcomed by the institutional coordinator of the project, Doctor of Law, Professor, Head of the Department of Constitutional and Administrative Law and Process Alla Koval, and the head of the T&M Center, Candidate of Law, Associate Professor, Dean of the Faculty of Law of Petro Mohyla National University of Chernivtsi Dmytro Sichko.

The purpose of the event was to promote interaction and exchange of experience between participants of the mentoring and tutoring programs, present their achievements, increase the motivation of participants, and create conditions for establishing new professional contacts and prospects for cooperation.

The final pitching based on the results of the second stage of the piloting of mentoring and tutoring schemes is an important stage in the implementation of the EU Erasmus+ project 101082696-PROMENT. This event allows participants to demonstrate the achievements that were achieved during the pilot implementation of mentoring and tutoring programs in higher education institutions. It promotes the exchange of best practices among all participants, provides an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of approaches and identify the strengths and weaknesses of the implemented models. Such a pitching also allows experts and stakeholders to be involved in the assessment, ensuring objectivity and feedback.

Mentors who actively participated in the second stage of piloting mentoring and tutoring schemes were given the floor to welcome and share their experiences regarding participation in the program and its results.

The event also provided an opportunity for mentees to speak, sharing the experience they had gained, talking about the skills and competencies they had acquired, and making suggestions for the future implementation of the project.

An important event at the event was the speeches of tutors and mentees, who shared with the audience their impressions and insights gained while participating in events organized by the Tutoring and Mentoring Center.

The meeting had a so-called hybrid format, meaning that some participants could communicate directly in the auditorium of the Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University, while the rest of the participants joined the event online. This format facilitated a lively discussion on important and pressing topics.

Representatives of each mentoring or tutoring scheme had the opportunity to share the results of their work in the following pitch sessions:

1. “Tutoring freshmen”

The coordinator of the scheme was Halyna Kosareva, Ph.D., associate professor of the Department of Ukrainian Philology and Intercultural Communication of Petro Mohyla National University of Kyiv, and the project executor. The tutor was Diana Kozub, a 3rd-year student of the specialty “Philology. Germanic languages ​​and literatures (including translation, the first is English)”, and the representative of the group was Yanina Ursul, a 1st-year student of the specialty “Philology. Ukrainian language and literature, English language, including translation”.

The scheme aimed to support the adaptation of first-year students to university life. Tutors helped students master learning tools, organize their working hours, and establish communication with teachers and academic services. Participants in the scheme emphasized the importance of early socialization and individual support, which helps reduce stress and build sustainable learning motivation.

2. “Mentoring under the leadership of local public authorities”

The coordinator of the scheme was Viktoriya Andriyash, Doctor of Public Administration, Professor of the Department of Public Management and Administration. The mentor was Olga Kalchenko, Deputy Head of the Department of the South-Eastern Interregional Department of the National Public Administration, and the mentee was Yulia Dovgan, a 3rd year student at the Faculty of Law.

The scheme was aimed at introducing students to real-life civil service practices and the activities of local authorities. The mentor helped the mentee to delve into the specifics of public administration, assess the current challenges of the profession, and analyze career paths in the field of public administration. The participants noted the value of direct interaction with government officials and the opportunity to receive professional advice “first-hand.”

3. “Mentoring young teachers”

The scheme was coordinated by Halyna Kosaryeva, Ph.D., Associate Professor of the Department of Ukrainian Philology and Intercultural Communication. The mentor was Maryna Nikitina (Vasilyeva), an artist of the highest category, head of the literary and dramaturgical part of the Mykolaiv Academic Art Drama Theater, Honored Artist of Ukraine. The mentee was Siranush Antonyan, a 3rd-year student of the specialty “Philology. Germanic Languages ​​and Literatures.”

The scheme was aimed at developing pedagogical and communicative competencies of young specialists, in particular in working with the audience and presenting educational material. The mentor shared practical experience in stage skills, building interaction with listeners, and managing emotions. The participants emphasized that the combination of theatrical techniques with pedagogical activities opens up new opportunities for a modern teacher.

4. “Gender Mentoring. Women in Science”

The coordinator and mentor of the scheme was Anna Solovyova, PhD in Political Science, Associate Professor of the Department of Journalism and Political Science. The mentee was Anastasia Khmel, PhD in Historical Sciences, Dean of the Faculty of Political Science, Associate Professor of the Department of International Relations.

The scheme aimed to support women in the scientific community, develop leadership skills, develop career growth strategies and overcome gender barriers. As part of the collaboration, participants discussed the challenges of female researchers, issues of academic mobility and balance between professional and scientific activities. The mentor and mentee emphasized the importance of female solidarity and creating an environment that supports women scientists.

5. “Tutoring / Mentoring of Internally Displaced Students”

The coordinator of the scheme was Olena Kapliy, PhD, Associate Professor of the Department of Constitutional and Administrative Law and Process. The mentor was Tetyana Pustovoitenko, consultant on youth initiatives, trainer and mentor of youth. The mentee was Olena Gladun, 2nd year student of the Faculty of Law.

The scheme aimed to provide socio-psychological and academic support to students who were forced to change their place of residence due to the war. The mentor helped the mentee adapt to the new educational community, find resources for learning, and build resilience. Participants noted that individual support helps IDP students avoid isolation and increases their engagement in the university environment.

6. “Mentoring in the field of Green Technologies”

The coordinator of the scheme was Eluchka Kazaryan, Doctor of Philosophy in Law, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Constitutional and Administrative Law and Process. The mentor was Denys Medvedev, Head of the Energy Management Department of the Energy Department of the Mykolaiv City Council. The mentee was Oleksandra Kovalska, a postgraduate student at the Department of Ecology.

The scheme aimed to develop students’ competencies in the field of energy efficiency, sustainable development and environmental innovations. The mentor shared practical experience in implementing green technologies in urban infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of environmental awareness in professional activities. The participants of the scheme noted the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to the formation of a new generation of specialists.

7. “Tutoring students going abroad for academic mobility”

The coordinator of the scheme was Olena Filimonova, Ph.D., leading specialist of the Department of International Relations (online). The tutor was Valeria Povazhna, a Category I specialist of the Department of International Relations, and the tutor was Ksenia Radzhabova, a master’s degree student in Philology.

The scheme was aimed at supporting students preparing to participate in international programs, from completing documents to adapting to a new educational environment. The tutor helped the student navigate mobility procedures, search for appropriate educational opportunities, and prepare for the move. Participants emphasized that high-quality support significantly simplifies admission to a foreign university and contributes to successful integration.

8. “Professional mentoring”

The coordinator of the scheme was Dmytro Sichko, PhD, Associate Professor, Dean of the Faculty of Law and Head of the T&M Center. The mentor was Nadiya Zalutska, Head of the Legal Sector of the Southern Customs, and the mentee was Yulia Roznay, a master’s student of the Faculty of Law.

The scheme was aimed at developing professional skills of future lawyers and understanding the specifics of law enforcement in state structures. The mentor introduced the student to the practical aspects of customs law, the work of legal departments and the requirements for specialists in the civil service. The participants emphasized the value of mentoring as an opportunity to receive professional recommendations for starting a career.

9. “Mentoring / Tutoring of Students with Disabilities”

The coordinator of the scheme was Alla Koval, Doctor of Law, Professor, Head of the Department of Constitutional and Administrative Law and Process. The mentor was Lada Zakharova, Project Manager of the NGO “Strong Together”. The mentee was Kyrylo Storozhuk, a 3rd year student of the Faculty of Law.

The scheme aimed to create an accessible and inclusive educational space. The mentor helped students navigate university support opportunities, increase autonomy, overcome barriers and enhance participation in student life. Participants emphasized that inclusive mentoring contributes to the formation of equal opportunities for all higher education seekers.

10. “Digital mentoring”

The coordinator of the scheme was Olena Filimonova, Ph.D. (online). The mentor was Yuriy Reshetnik, IT specialist, chief analyst of the Head Office of JSC CB “PrivatBank” (online). The mentee was Sergey Bogdantsev, a student of the specialty “Software Engineering”.

The scheme aimed to develop digital skills, critical thinking and practical understanding of IT processes in a large corporate structure. The mentor shared his experience working with analytical systems, managing IT projects and building effective technical teams. Participants noted that the scheme provided an opportunity to look at the IT industry from the inside and understand the real requirements of the market.

11. “Mentoring in the field of business and startups”

The coordinator of the scheme was Natalia Ishchenko, PhD in Economics, Associate Professor of the Department of Economics and Entrepreneurship. The mentor was Olga Kupchyshyna, PhD in Economics, 3rd rank civil servant, Deputy Head of the State Tax Service in Mykolaiv region (online). The mentee was Serhiy Bogdantsev, Chairman of the Student Board of the P. Mohyla National University of Chernivtsi.

The scheme was aimed at developing entrepreneurial thinking and familiarizing students with the peculiarities of tax and financial policy in Ukraine. The mentor helped participants better understand the legal and economic principles of creating a business, the risks and opportunities of startups, as well as the principles of interaction between entrepreneurs and state institutions. The participants of the scheme emphasized that this format of cooperation contributes to the formation of a comprehensive vision of the business environment.

The final pitching is a platform for sharing the experience gained and its further adaptation at the level of other higher education institutions in Ukraine and Europe. It helps to create synergy between participants, stimulates the professional development of mentors and tutors, and also contributes to improving conditions for students. In the context of the PROMENT project, this event allows to consolidate the role of mentoring and tutoring as effective tools for supporting students in their studies and their integration into the educational environment. Thus, the final pitching not only summarizes the second stage of the pitching, but also sets a strategic direction for further work on improving the mentoring and tutoring system.

In the final pitching, participants shared their impressions and received certificates. The event confirmed the effectiveness of mentoring and tutoring as tools for supporting students and their professional development. The presented schemes demonstrate a breadth of approaches – from adapting first-year students to supporting female scientists, developing eco-technologies, and promoting the inclusion of students with disabilities.