25 Sep 2018 Mentor Makers: Building Connections to Inspire STEM Careers

Mentor Makers, a mentoring program developed by KC STEM Alliance, has expanded into four high schools this academic year, with an emphasis on building relationships between students and female STEM professionals over the course of the school year.

The program recruits and provides support for teams of female mentors who work with the same group of students throughout the school year, which gives time to build a deeper relationship than other career exposure activities may allow.

The program kicked off with thoughtful discussions about women in science, sparked with an exercise using postcards designed by Rachel Ignotofsky to showcase contributions of women scientists throughout history.

Overall, the program includes four sessions, each examining one of the core STEM subjects. In upcoming sessions, students and mentors will work together on hands-on activities like building a take-home microscope and flying drones. A pre and post-survey will help measure effectiveness and identify areas to improve.

Mentors come from a diverse range of corporate partners, including the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Honeywell, Hallmark, Olsson Associates, Community America and Burns & McDonnell.

To learn more about the program, contact Marian McClellan.