NCSSM Durham

Prospective Mentors

CLICK HERE TO ENROLL to Become a Mentor for 2024-2025

Become a Mentor

The Mentorship Program provides mentors the ability to train the next generation of young researchers. Our mentors provide students with an independent research project or integrate the student into a part of their ongoing research. They provide an experience that requires the application of knowledge and skills to address challenges in the world beyond the classroom. 

Over 100 mentors from around the Triangle and beyond volunteer every year to welcome students into their work environment, share their passion for their field of study, and enjoy the unique energy and curiosity that high school students bring through the Durham Mentorship Program and in collaboration with the NCSSM instructional team.

Program Timelines

Mentorship 1 (M1) -
Summer

June 11 - July 19

(5 weeks, with a break during 4th of July week)

Students work ~40 hours per weekWeekdays 9:00am to 4:00pm

Mentorship 2 (M2) -
Academic Year 

August - March 

(20 weeks, with a break from December - January) 

Students work 6 hours per week for 20 weeksTuesday/Thursdays (1:00-4:00PM)

Mentorship 3 (M3) -
Extended 

June 10 - July 19 & August - March

(with a break 4th of July week and in December - January)

Summer 2024 (M1) and Academic Year 2024-2025 (M2) timelines combined

NCSSM Durham is seeking mentors...

Requirements for Durham Mentors

To be successful in the Mentorship Program and the course assignments, students will need an active role in a research project

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits and rewards of mentoring an NCSSM student? 

The benefits of mentoring are endless. Here are a few!

What is the student expected to accomplish as part of their research experience?

Students are expected to:

To assess student development and learning, NCSSM instructors assess student performance in the following assignments (which vary by program):

To learn more, see this past publication by NCSSM administrators. 

What are the expectations for a mentor?

For all programs, participating mentors are asked to:

What costs are associated with NCSSM's research/innovation programs?

The program is of no cost to the mentor or student and Burroughs Wellcome Fund, NCSSM Foundation and NCSSM State funds provide funding for programmatic and instructional expertise and support as well as transportation to the mentors’ locations.

What is the time commitment for a mentor?

Opportunities range from 5 weeks (Monday-Friday from 8:30-4:00) in June/July to opportunities of 22 weeks (Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 1:00-4:00) from August to March (with a break in Dec./Jan.) in the Mentorship Program. 

Can my staff/team be involved in mentoring the student when/if I am busy? 

Absolutely, our programs offer a fantastic opportunity for members of your team to get experience in mentoring, a critical skill for their professional development. Team members, often graduate students and postdoctoral fellows commonly serve as mentors for NCSSM students. 

What are the procedures for bringing a minor student to my workplace?

Only the following institutions have required regulations that we are aware of at this time: