Building a Mentorship-Based Research Program Focused on Individual Interests,Curiosity,and Professional Skills at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics

Abstract

The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) offers students a wide variety of real-world opportunities to develop skills and talent critical for students to gain the essential professional and personal skills that lead to success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. One of the key avenues available to gain research experience is the Mentorship Program. This program uses a unique pre- and co-curriculum that guides approximately 80 students each year to take a leading role in setting up and executing a research experience with professionals and scholars at local universities/corporations. The Mentorship Program is based entirely on students seeking out mentors of interest at partner institutions. Successful partnerships rely on a strong interest and goodwill among researchers and professionals to mentor as well as the appropriate structure and student preparation by the partner school. The program emphasizes that experiential learning is still a “classroom” academic program and not just an enrichment program, internship, or shadowing experience.