Enhancing STEM Mentoring Programs: Research-Informed Recommendations

📚 The impact webinar focused on research-informed recommendations for STEM mentoring programs.

🗣️ The webinar featured panelists from various sectors, including mentoring programs, higher education institutions, philanthropic partnerships, and government agencies.

🌊 The webinar emphasized the importance of STEM mentoring in inspiring young people to care for and protect the ocean planet.

📌 The STEM mentoring field has grown and diversified, with a focus on increasing student achievement and addressing under-representation in STEM fields.

🔍 The development of the STEM supplement was informed by research and input from practitioners to provide effective mentoring practices.

💡 The supplement offers a typology of STEM mentoring programs and highlights the need for coordination and support across different age groups.

🔍 STEM mentoring programs recruit STEM professionals, graduate students, or undergraduates to serve as mentors to K-12 students.

📚 The STEM mentoring program aims to provide high-quality mentoring experiences to reduce high-risk behaviors, improve academic success, and increase knowledge and interest in STEM.

🙏 The program focuses on recruiting dedicated, patient, and caring mentors who show up consistently, regardless of their STEM background.

👥 The science club focuses on middle school years to build identity around STEM careers and skills.

🔬 Longitudinal authentic mentoring provided by science and engineering students and staff from Chicago area universities.

🌍 Training mentors to be connectors and advocates for their mentees and providing practical training on facilitating STEM activities.

📚 Deeper training for mentors on working with young people from different backgrounds, including cultural awareness and supporting feelings of belonging.

💡 Mentoring programs can overcome the uncertainty of mentoring by providing structured activities that bond mentors and mentees.

📚 Continual training and support for mentors are crucial for their success as mentors and for the overall effectiveness of the program.

🌱 Matching mentors and mentees in group settings should consider group dynamics and allow for a trial period to ensure positive and lasting relationships.

🔑 Effective STEM mentoring programs require a strong mentor-mentee relationship and background knowledge about STEM.

⭐ Real-time monitoring and support are crucial in STEM mentoring programs, especially during hands-on activities.

🗣️ Having experienced professionals in the space provides support and guidance for mentors and helps maintain their enthusiasm.

📚 Partnerships with other programs can facilitate a smooth transition between mentors and provide ongoing support for mentees.

🔑 Genentech takes a long-term approach to their STEM mentoring programs, recognizing that it takes time to grow a student into a scientist.

🏫 Genentech offers various STEM programs, including an after-school program, a science competition, and biotech classes, to engage students and show them that science can be fun.

🌟 The mentors at Genentech provide real-world, relevant expertise to the students, emphasizing their own career paths and sharing their lab technique knowledge.