Mentors - CuriOdyssey STEMCorps

Why be a mentor?

Breaking barriers

The pathway to a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) career is not yet equal for all. BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) youth face systemic barriers throughout their education and daily lives which contribute to the lack of diversity we see in STEM fields today.

Bridging resources as a community

The STEM Mentor program seeks to bolster the resources available for BIPOC youth to pursue STEM learning in a safe space where they can connect and be encouraged by supportive role models.

Become a mentor

Mentors make a difference

You can inspire and empower the next generation of STEM leaders by sharing your lived experience. Mentors are changemakers who empower students to amplify their voice, achieve their educational goals and envision the journey to a STEM career.

Volunteer to be a mentor

Each mentor will be paired with an elementary school student and meet virtually for two one-hour sessions each month from October through January. This time together includes exploring STEM activities and animal science encounters using CuriOdyssey’s educational approach, listening and learning from each other’s experiences, and potentially providing academic assistance for mentees’ STEM courses.

See our STEMCorps Mentor Program Overview video on YouTube.

For more information on how you or your organization can become involved, email us at volunteer@curiodyssey.org

STEM Mentor Application

FAQs

What is the STEMCorps Mentoring Program?

STEMCorps is dedicated to overcoming obstacles and enhancing opportunities to foster a workforce comprised of diverse individuals with strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In partnership with local community organizations that offer after-school programs, we offer early STEM education programs specifically designed for youth of color.

Our “Why Statement” Serves a Dual Purpose:

To inspire a love of science and curiosity about the world to create a brighter future.
To bridge the gap between science education and accessibility, working towards increasing representation of diverse communities in STEM by empowering more young people of color through scientific knowledge and skills.

Who Can Join STEMCorps Mentoring Program?

We need community-oriented professionals who are passionate about making a difference. We are looking for individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, including those who identify as people of color, females, and individuals with disabilities. If you are a scientist, engineer, technologist, mathematician, or STEM enthusiast, we encourage you to join us.

What is the Timeline for STEM Mentoring Season?

Where Do STEM Mentor Sessions Take Place?

Meetings are held virtually through GroupWorld. This digital whiteboard platform facilitates video and audio connections between mentors and mentees.

How are STEM Mentor-Mentee Pairs Matched?

Using a lookbook containing photos and bios provided by our mentors, we facilitate the matching process of mentor-mentee pairs. Mentees select their mentors based on the shared characteristics and interests highlighted in the mentor photos and bios.

How are STEM Mentors Sessions Conducted?

Mentors activity kits are mailed directly to their home addresses several weeks before mentoring sessions begin. All virtual sessions will be recorded on GroupWorld. CuriOdyssey’s Education staff and Director of Volunteer Engagement may occasionally review these recordings.

What are the Steps to Becoming a Mentor?

Review the Mentor Presentation
Fill out a Mentor Application
Upload a video interview showcasing your mentoring experience and motivation
Complete personal reference and background checks
Attend virtual mentor training meetings

How Will I Know if I am Accepted as a STEM Mentor?

Mentor applications and video interviews are accepted on a rolling basis until mid-September. New mentor cohorts begin mid-October. If accepted, mentors will receive an acceptance email and an invitation to attend mentor training by October 1st.