Building a Talent Pipeline for the Future
The United Technologies’ STEM U Mentoring Program is designed to inspire and motivate the next generation of STEM talent through mentorship, 21st century skill development, and networking through our online platform.
WHO is this program is for?
- High school students (ages 13 to 18) around the world, who are interested in STEM.
• Scientists, engineers, postdoctoral fellows, and STEM professionals interested in inspiring and motivating the next generation of STEM talent.
WHAT do participating mentees get?
- One-to-one coaching and advice from a professional scientist or engineer
- Coursework emphasizing college readiness, leadership, communication, and critical thinking.
- The opportunity to network with an awesome group of peers and STEM professionals through social message boards, online events, and activities.
WHAT do participating mentors get?
- The opportunity to inspire the next generation of STEM professionals.
- A global network of STEM professionals with whom they can share experiences, advice and resources.
HOW MUCH time is involved?
- Meetings between mentors and mentees take place via video chat or text chat twice per month. The amount of time you spend together is up to you, but a minimum of about one hour per meeting is recommended.
- Mentees can complete their coursework at their own pace, and engage with the other mentees on the network as often as they want—it’s a great way to make friends and gather resources!
WHERE does it all happen?
- All mentoring meetings, coursework, and networking takes place on our fully integrated, safety protocol-enabled digital platform so you can participate from anywhere in the world!
See how a STEM mentor can help you achieve your dreams — college and beyond.
Mentee applications for the 2018–2019 cohort are now closed. Please check back in July 2019 for information about Year 3.
To receive updates on this and other student programs
What you get from this one-on-one mentorship program:
Free, online coaching
No need to meet in person. You can touch base with your mentor from anywhere in the world.
Guidance on college applications
Navigating the college application process can be hard. Let someone who has been there show you the (right) way from the start.
Leg-up in your career
93% of self-made millionaires attributed their wealth to having a mentor. Get the guidance you need to succeed in the future.
A global network of peers
You have the chance to meet an awesome group of peers and STEM professionals who are as passionate about STEM as you are.
You don’t have to have it all figured out.
If you’re confused about what you want to do in STEM, don’t worry -- we’ve been there. That’s why your STEM mentor is there to guide you every step of the way. Just take a look at what Julie achieved with the help of her mentor:
Set yourself up for success in just a few hours a month.
We know you’re busy with school and extracurriculars. That’s why this mentorship program makes the best use of your time: you and your mentor touch base just twice a month virtually on our digital platform.
FAQs
- Am I eligible to have a mentor?
If you’re a high school student between 13-18 years old, and you’re interested in the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), then you’re eligible to be paired with a mentor.
- What’s the deadline to apply?
Mentee applications for the 2018–2019 cohort are now closed. Please check back in July 2019 for information about Year 3.
- How long does the program run?
The program will run for approximately 10 months — from November 2018 to August 2019.
- Is there any coursework or homework involved?
Yes, you’ll complete learning modules designed to prepare you for college and develop leadership skills. But you can complete these modules on our online platform at your own pace, whenever you have time.
- What do I tell my parents about this opportunity?
Tell them the New York Academy of Sciences, one of the oldest scientific institutions in the world, is offering a free, virtual one-on-one STEM mentorship for high school students. Tell them we pre-screen every mentor before pairing them with students (that way, you’ll get the best guidance there is).
Mentor the next generation of STEM leaders from anywhere in the world.
Make a real difference in a student’s life in this one-to-one STEM mentoring program.
Here’s what’s in store in the one-to-one mentoring program:
Convenient, virtual mentoring
All you need is an internet connection and a desire to give back -- you can mentor from anywhere in the world.
Flexible schedule
We know you’re busy. That’s why we ask you touch base with your student on our online platform just 2x a month.
Networking opportunity
Not only can you make a difference in a student’s life, you can meet other like-minded mentors on our online learning platform.
Wondering if you’re qualified to mentor? You’re eligible if you:
- Are a graduate student, postdoc, or professional working in a STEM-related field
- Can access at least one device with internet capabilities
- Communicate clearly in spoken and written English
- Have conducted scientific research in the past (preferred, but not required)
Getting started is easy.
FAQs
- What’s the deadline to apply?
Mentor applications for the 2018–2019 year are now closed. Please check back in July 2019 for information about Year 3.
- How long does the program run?
The program will run for approximately 10 months — from November 2018 to August 2019.
- What’s the time commitment like?
You only have to touch base with your student 2x a month. The program is built with flexibility in mind so that you and your student have enough time to work around your busy schedules.
- What can I expect after I submit my application?
We’ll send you a confirmation email so you’ll know we received it. It may take up to 8 weeks to pair you with your student; please be patient as we work to create the best possible matches.
- What if I’ve never mentored a student before?
No problem - We recruit many first-time mentors. That’s why we conduct a quick online orientation before you start the program so that you know where to begin.
- Do I have to assign homework?
There are pre-built modules for certain months in our online learning platform that your student needs to complete, so you don’t have to assign anything yourself.
- What if I’m not in a STEM field, but I really want to mentor a student?
You can still apply! Students report feeling grateful for their mentors for guiding them through the college application process and whittling down future career paths. If you have the strong desire to mentor students but you’re not in STEM, you can still make a difference in students’ lives and you’re still eligible.