Geering Up’s InSTEM Mentorship Program aims to break down barriers preventing Indigenous youth living in rural communities from pursuing a post-secondary education or career in STEM.
What does mentorship look like?
Cultivate a supportive relationship
Geering Up screens, interviews, trains and pairs interested mentors with an individual mentee or a classroom. By virtually connecting rural Indigenous high school students to faculty and students at UBC, our program cultivates supportive relationships to expose youth to the opportunities available to them at the post-secondary level. Mentors act as advisors, friends and/or role models to their mentees. This can include lending an ear to listen to their academic concerns or offering advice about post-secondary options.
Become inspired and get engaged
Although Geering Up expects mentors and mentees to communicate with one another at least twice a month, the level of support and/or frequency of communication between pairs largely depend on each participant’s personal preference.
Types of Mentorship Available
One-on-One
- Typically, in one-on-one relationships, one mentor is paired with one mentee. Groups with multiple mentors and/ or mentees are possible. Mentors and mentees determine regular times to talk over the phone or Zoom each week.
- Commitment level: HIGH
Classroom
- This opportunity brings mentors into our virtual programming as a subject expert. Mentors will attend workshops with our Outreach Instructors and will be able to connect with students regarding the topic of programming.
- Opportunities may arise for the mentor to continue their relationship with one or more classrooms after programming has occurred.
- Commitment level: LOW – MEDIUM
Speakers
- We have miscellaneous opportunities for guest speakers to present their experiences in university & STEM, their studies, their research, etc as a part of our summer and school-year programming. The majority of opportunities for speakers occur in July and August.
- Commitment level: LOW
For Mentors
Any interested post-secondary student or faculty member can apply to be a mentor. Preference will be given to individuals who identify as Indigenous, specialize in a STEM field, and/or are a member of UBC. Please note that all mentors must undergo a criminal record check.
Deadline to Apply: November 21st, 2022 – Applications are now closed. If you applied, you will be hearing back from Geering Up by December 6th.
For Mentees
Students in Grades 7-12 are eligible to enter the program if they either self-identify as Indigenous, First Nations, Metis or Inuit and/or have Indigenous status. Preference will be given to students in remote & rural communities where other mentorship opportunities are less prevalent.
Apply now!
Deadline to Apply: January 1st, 2022
What role do Community Members play?
Communities in which students are participating in the mentorship program are required to provide at least one point of contact. The community contact has a relationship with the mentee(s) and assists with advertising, mentee recruitment and communication. Examples of community points of contact include principles, teachers, family/community support workers, elders, etc.
What is Geering Up’s role?
Geering Up’s Community Outreach Team provides resource, training and support for mentors, mentees and community contacts. Beyond this, Geering Up is also responsible for advertisement, mentor recruitment, mentor/mentee pairing and regular check-ins with mentors and community members.
Program Timeline
| Ongoing | Mentees Apply |
|---|---|
| August – November | Mentors Apply |
| December | Mentor Training Occurs |
| January | Kickoff Event (time TBD) |
| January 1 – May 30, 2023 | Mentor Program Runs |
For more in-depth information about Geering Up’s InSTEM Mentorship Program, click here.
