Mentors
Engaging Thinkers, Makers, Doers of the Next Generation
Do you want to learn more about becoming a mentor?
Are you ready to enroll as a mentor now?
What is the NCSSM Mentorship Program?
A Forty Year Tradition of Engaging Students in Research
3000 NCSSM graduates
have participated in
Mentorship since 1980
200 mentors
135 students
9 partner institutions
2021-2022 Partners include:
Duke University, High Point University, Kaleido, NC Central University, NC State University, RTI International, UNC-Chapel Hill, Winston Salem State University. Yale University
A Collaboration Between NCSSM and the Community
MENTOR
guides research
STUDENT
takes ownership of the experience
NCSSM INSTRUCTOR
facilitates student development
NCSSM
provides funding and programmatic support
Mentor Expectations
Participating mentors are asked to:
offer direction and support as you guide the student on their own research project or a part of your ongoing research
welcome a student into your work environment
provide safety training and a safe environment for the student on site (and complete Form 2 of the NCSSM Scientific Review Committee paperwork to ensure safety)
permit NCSSM to complete an annual background check for active volunteer mentors at your site
communicate with the Director of Mentorship and Research as quickly as possible regarding any needs or concerns
to provide brief evaluations of the students' performance and development (two 5-10 minute surveys per student)
be enthusiastic and willing to share your passion for your field of study
enjoy the energy and curiosity the students bring
Student Expectations
Mentorship students will:
apply concepts and skills learned in the classroom to be an active participant on a portion of an ongoing project or to develop a project of their own under the guidance and instruction of the mentor
pursue their curiosity and passion in any variety of the wide range of fields including STEM, humanities, social science
take ownership of their opportunity (with facilitation from NCSSM Director and NCSSM Instructors)
complete all course assignments including student deliverables of written proposal and oral and/or poster presentation to the NCSSM community (assessed by NCSSM Instructors, no requirements for grading by mentors)
develop the personal/professional skills that will be an essential key to their success as they pursue their education and careers
present their accomplishments to the community at the NCSSM Research Symposium (in spring and/or summer)
To learn more, see publication by NCSSM administrators linked HERE.
NCSSM Instructor Role
Curriculum is designed to:
Integrate soft skills in the context of the research environment to maximize professional growth
NCSSM instructors assess student performance in the following assignments and activities (which vary by program):
Small group and individual meetings
Oral communications such as Elevator Pitch, 10 minute symposium presentation with slideshow
Written communications such as proposal writing, research paper/poster, literature review, etc.
NCSSM Funding and Support
Programmatic Support provided by:
NCSSM Mentorship and Research office
Director, Sarah Shoemaker
Coordinator, Mary Slawter
Data Management Specialist, Taylor Nguyen
Program Assistants, Anushka Deshmukh & Lauren Subramaniam
Mentorship & Research Leaders, Pranet Sharma and Kendal Win
Funding Support provided by:
Burroughs Wellcome Fund
NCSSM Foundation
NCSSM State funds
