Welcome!
Thank you for showing interest in volunteering as a STEM Mentor!
General Information
Each school that participates in the STEM Scholars program will be matched with 1-2 STEM mentors. The primary role of all mentors is to visit schools to facilitate seminars, science-related activities, and resource workshops based on the pre-established curriculum.
Please note: the method of mentoring and/or platform use is subject to change given unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 Pandemic. We have transitioned to a fully online, synchronous platform utilizing Zoom! |
STEM Mentor Application (Required)Non-Disclosure Form (Required)Photo/Video/Audio Consent (Required)Recommendation Form (Required) |
What are STEM Mentors?
STEM Mentors will engage in educational lectures, hands-on activities, and group projects and activities that engage mentees in a variety of STEM topics. Through either weekly or biweekly group mentoring sessions and additional STEM enrichment activities, students are exposed to inspiring scientists and students, who represent a variety of careers and education pathways. The overall goal of the STEM Mentor is to positively impact the social and academic development and achievement of high school youth.
Reasons to Volunteer as a STEM Mentor
- Available opportunities to provide pre-professional mentorship as well as medical/ science-related resources and programs to high school students.
- Create networking connections with mentees, fellow mentors, and professionals.
- Gain leadership skills that will translate effectively as you advance in your career.
- An opportunity to actively give back to others.
- A letter of recommendation from the Director and/or Associate Director after service of one full academic semester (or 50 hours of service).
- Working with STEM Scholars may lead to other opportunities within the organization.
Qualifications
- Undergraduate or graduate student with a major/minor in a S.T.E.M. (ex. Biology, Chemistry, etc.) or S.T.E.M.-related subject (ex. Psychology, Science Education, etc.).
- A minimum completion of 2 semesters of college-level biology and 2 semesters of college-level chemistry with a course grade of B+ or higher.
- Either previous leadership experience or a willingness to learn.
Mentor Requirements
- A commitment to work 4-5 hours per week for the entire semester. This time commitment includes preparation and facilitation of your lesson on day of class as well as any weekly meetings that you may be required to attend.
- If in school, maintenance of a cumulative GPA of 3.0. (GPA will be checked at the end of the semester).
- Full understanding that being a STEM Mentor is a VOLUNTEER position. It is NOT paid.
- 1-2 Recommendation Letters submitted via online form. Recommendations should be from someone who knows you academically/professionally.
- Completion of STEM Mentor application with submission of all supplementary documents.
- Completion of the audio and visual consent forms.
- Completion of STEM Mentor activity form.
- Completion of the volunteer non-disclosure-agreement form.
Preferred Mentor Qualities
- Willingness to effectively lead/give directions.
- Sense of personal accountability and professionalism (timeliness, respond to emails quickly, respectfulness, etc.).
- Successful academic and pre-professional career.
** STEM Scholars reserves the right to remove and/or replace students’ mentors who do not successfully meet the above criteria. **