In2science is a peer mentoring program that engages high school students from low socio-economic backgrounds with STEM.
University students volunteer their time to work as STEM mentors (for science, technology, engineering, maths, and related areas) once a week over a 10-week placement. Mentors can be placed in high school STEM classes or as an online eMentor to students who share their STEM interests.
During the placement, you’ll inspire students to get excited about and pursue STEM throughout school and beyond. While getting to know them and helping them connect what they’re studying to their lives outside of school, you’ll show them that STEM fields are made up of diverse people, that STEM careers are found everywhere, and that STEM skills are important in so many aspects of our lives!
Volunteering with In2science is a great way to give back to the community while developing your communication skills, enhancing your resume, getting a taste for the classroom, and showing the next generation the value and wonders of STEM.
Why become an In2science Mentor?
- Training, support and career development opportunities.
- Develop communication and interpersonal skills.
- Enhance your resume and employability.
- Break down stereotypes about people who pursue STEM.
- Gain first-hand experience of teaching as a possible vocational pathway.
- The satisfaction of assisting students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Melbourne Plus credential in community engagement.
Time commitment
You’ll be required to attend one ~5-hour training session together with other trainee In2science mentors. eMentors will have an additional training session, held online, to learn about our eMentoring platform. This normally takes place the week before the semester starts or during the first week of the semester.
The program runs for 10 weeks during the semester with one class visit (or online meeting for eMentors) per week. Visits last from ~1 to ~1.5 hours, depending on the length of the particular class. Travel times vary depending on school location, but we expect the total visit to take no more than ~3 hours, including travel to and from the school. eMentors are not required to travel but will spend additional time preparing for each session.
Note that travel to and from classes is reimbursed at the end of the semester.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the program, you need to be a student studying towards a degree within the Faculty of Science, Faculty of Engineering and IT or Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences and must have completed the first year of your undergraduate studies or be at any stage of studying towards a postgraduate degree.
If your studies are STEM-related but are outside of the Faculties listed above and you have any queries regarding your eligibility, please get in touch. In2science prides itself on showing high school students the wide range of courses and careers that use STEM, and we welcome mentors who are studying any STEM-related degree.
Meet Program Coordinator, Marie Kinsey
Marie Kinsey is the Program Coordinator for the University of Melbourne. Marie is a passionate science communicator, lover of nature, sustainability ambassador and a fan of all things STEM and the creative intersections in between. Marie has over a decade of experience communicating science and working with young people, showcasing how STEM can be relevant, fascinating, creative and accessible to all.
Learn more about the In2science program
For more information about Mentoring in the In2science program, check out the In2science website.
Applications are open all year round. However, the cut-off for each semester is usually a few weeks prior to the semester beginning to allow time for training, and any applications after this time will be considered for the following semester.