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inSTEM Mentors

A community of innovators, and discoverers supporting the next generation of STEM leaders through the NSTMF’s inSTEM program.

Who are inSTEM Mentors?

inSTEM Mentors are influential and inspirational individuals who are known advocates for STEM students from underrepresented communities.

Get to know our past, present, and future mentors by clicking here.

Qualities and Characteristics

We seek inSTEM mentors who possess the following qualities and characteristics:

  • Currently pursuing a career in STEM in academia, industry, or public service.
  • Excited to share their experiences and help Scholars reach their ultimate potential.
  • Demonstrated advocacy for underrepresented minorities in STEM
  • Identification with any marginalized groups, including but not limted to: Black, Latinx, LGBTQIA+, women or other marginalized genders, and/or first-generation.
inSTEM Mentor Lori Beck meeting with students in 2018

Commitment and Expectations

Quality mentorship takes time and commitment. inSTEM Mentors are integral to the success of this program. We appreciate any and all time mentors provide to their mentees to meet or exceed the following commitments:

  • Identification of a set of inSTEM curriculum topics relevant to their expertise.
  • Ability and Willingness to participate in a 90-minute in-person or virtual meeting with the inSTEM Scholars to share insights and answer questions.
  • Bandwidth and availability to serve as a mentor to no more than three Scholars.
  • Bandwidth and availability to correspond and meet, when appropriate, with an inSTEM scholar consistently at least 4 times per academic year.
  • Maintain a relationship with a set of inSTEM Scholars and support them through their undergraduate experience and beyond

What are Mentors Saying?

FAQs

I want to be an inSTEM mentor! What are my next steps?

1. If you haven’t done so already, review the inSTEM overview page as well as information about the inSTEM curriculum.
2. If you are in a position to become an inSTEM mentor you can submit an application using this link.
3. If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or positive words to share please email the Director of inSTEM Dr. Mayowa Awe at [email protected]

Do Mentors receive compensation?

Unfortunately, we are not in a position to offer compensation for mentors. We understand that this may be a difficult request and understand if being a volunteer mentor is not of interest. We hope that in the future we can provide some form of compensation or incentives. If you have any ideas please feel free to share with [email protected] and we will reach to discuss how to implement your suggestions.

What are your expectations out of the mentors, in terms of travel, in the midst of COVID-19?

If a mentor chooses to travel to the host institution for an onsite inSTEM meeting the NSTMF will cover all travel costs incurred including hotel accommodations. We will work with mentors to make the necessary arrangements for a safe and fulfilling visit with the inSTEM scholars. If a mentor prefers a virtual meeting we are plenty capable of supporting that request. We launched this program at the height of the pandemic and we are well-versed in hosting inSTEM meetings via Zoom.

What should I do if I have other colleagues who want to join as inSTEM mentors?

Great! All we ask is that they complete this form and we will schedule a time to speak with them and understand their goals as a mentor.

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Become an inSTEM Mentor

Apply to join the inSTEM Mentor community!

Click here and submit your application today!

If you are good fit we will reach back out in a timely fashion – thank you for your interest!

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