Pilot mentorship project promotes equity and diversity in STEM

Minority groups are chronically underrepresented in both faculty and post-graduate roles in academia. Part of this problem begins with the known socioeconomic and cultural barriers to finding and obtaining research experiences on campus. Our mentorship program targets early steps in student career development to mitigate systemic and invisible barriers that lead to lowered diversity in later stages of academia. By providing opportunities targeted towards and allocated for equity-seeking groups, the program works towards increasing inclusion in academic spaces. Here we present a two-pronged mentorship and research micro-experience program which uniquely supports undergraduate students in obtaining and succeeding in research positions. The mentorship component of the program focuses on student’s professional development and cultivating community. Mentees and mentors meet once a week to learn about different career paths and opportunities in science. Mentors use crafted tools to help students develop their skills and knowledge that will help them navigate academic and professional spaces. In addition, the micro-experience component provides a 40-hour paid internship for students, helping them to take the critical first step in gaining research experience. Student and mentor feedback from the program demonstrates the community building and sense of belonging this program has fostered for underrepresented populations in academic spaces