Benefits

Many of us have had mentors who had a tremendous influence on our lives and careers, and without whose guidance we would not be where we are today. The LS-PAC MODELS program provides an opportunity for mentorship as well as professional development and a support network of peers and role models that can help guide students in achieving their career goals.

As an LS-PAC MODELS mentor, you will have the opportunity to provide academic, social, and career guidance to underrepresented minority (URM) scholars in our regional network who are interested in pursuing academic careers in STEM (i.e., tenure-track faculty, research staff, and instructors). This is a fantastic opportunity for STEM professionals who wish to give back to the STEM community and help promote diversity within their field. Acting as a mentor can make one’s work life more enjoyable and fulfilling, as well as fueling personal, cognitive, and professional growth.

Mentoring in the LS-PAC MODELS Center also means being connected to powerful support in the form of a network of other mentors, a set of tools and resources to improve your mentoring, and mentor education opportunities with nationally and internationally-recognized mentors.

Eligibility

LS-PAC MODELS mentors provide academic, social, and career guidance to underrepresented minority (URM) scholars in our regional network who are interested in pursuing academic careers in STEM. Mentors can be:

• College or university faculty or staff members who have earned a degree in a STEM-related field (physics, chemistry, biological sciences, mathematics, computer science, engineering, technology, neuroscience, or other related field).

• Non-university affiliated individuals who work in a STEM-related capacity who have a desire and ability to mentor URM students who are interested in STEM academic careers.

LS-PAC MODELS peer mentors are LS-PAC MODELS scholars (undergraduate students, graduate students, or post-doctoral fellows) who provide academic, social, and career support to other scholars who are at the same level or below in their careers. Peer mentors will meet regularly (virtually or in-person) with their mentees to serve as role models, share advice, and answer questions based on their own experiences. If you are interested in serving as a peer mentor, please see Become a Scholar to see if you are eligible.

Responsibilities

Mentors will:

• Meet with mentees on a regular basis (3x/semester minimum)

• Maintain reasonable availability to mentees

• Complete online survey each semester

• Participate in interviews if randomly chosen

• Participate in at least one mentor education opportunity per semester

Process

If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please complete the linked form. Candidates will be interviewed and attend a mentor orientation to learn more about mentoring with LS-PAC MODELS Center and resources available for support.