STEM U is an all-virtual program designed to inspire and motivate the next generation of STEM talent through mentorship, skill development and networking. The program is run in collaboration between United Technologies Corporation and the New York Academy of Sciences.
We are seeking scientists, engineers, postdoctoral fellows, and STEM graduate students to act as mentors and expert advisors in the two aspects of this program. You can choose to participate in just one opportunity, or both!
1. STEM U Challenge: Act as an expert advisor to a team of high school students (ages 13-18) competing in an innovation challenge! Challenges are open to students around the world. Participating teams develop solutions to a real-world problem, while STEM experts provide online feedback and coaching along the way. Experts will be matched with 1-2 teams, but will not be expected to provide the one-on-one guidance you might expect from a traditional mentoring experience. Experts will be asked to spend between 2-3 hours at most per week with participants over 60 days. To apply to be an expert advisor, click the green button at the top right hand side of this page. Please contact STEMUChallenges@nyas.org for questions regarding STEM U Challenge.
2. STEM U Mentoring Program: Mentor a high school student! We match talented students (ages 13-18) from around the world with mentors who can encourage and inspire them to pursue careers in STEM. You’ll meet with your mentee, one-to-one, twice a month for one year through our online platform, help them complete online learning modules, and answer their questions about what it’s like to work in a STEM field. To apply to be a mentor, click the green button at the top right hand side of this page. Please contact STEMUMentoring@nyas.org for questions regarding STEM U Mentoring.
Qualified mentors and expert advisors are:
Graduate students, postdocs, or professionals working in a STEM-related field
Able to access at least one communication device with internet capabilities
Passionate about engaging and inspiring the next generation of STEM innovators
Able to communicate clearly in spoken and written English
Experienced in conducting original scientific research (preferred but not required)
Important dates:
STEM U Challenge starts on October 20, 2018 and end on December 19, 2018
STEM U Mentoring begins in September 2018
Virtual mentor training takes place in September 2018 (exact dates TBD)
These roles are very self-driven. The most successful mentors and experts are proactive, inquisitive, and stick with a regular engagement schedule.
This program is run in collaboration with United Technologies Corporation.
