Challenges Mentor time commitment
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Mentoring credits (for grad students) Offer specific meeting time/day options Give mentors weekly to-do lists CSU model – Pulliam scholars @ CSU (where service is part of the fellowship requirement) Offer mentors small grants for use in their research that applies to EM research Release time (in-kind) Special topics course (get credit for time w/students) Pairing of mentors (2 mentors/student = more likely to meet with student often) Annual awards for mentors (for the most meeting/contact time) Reading groups with mentors and students
Good student-mentor pairing
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Speed networking (like speed dating) Group activities – get to know you field trip before paring Pre-meeting surveys (interests, time availability, etc) Use counselors in school (HS who know students well) Ask students the kind of mentor they would like (i.e. female student who requested a female mentor)
Enhancing student-mentor time
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Outdoor activities, not necessarily science-based (bike ride, see a movie, etc) Food and drinks – mentor happy hour Weekly email EM community weekly
More face time with students to meet with chapter
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Ask school to dedicate daily time Use online community to communicate with students Provide food earlier (and later) Integrate environmental science in classroom curriculum
Science, math, and writing remediation
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Classroom model Workshops Scientific reading class ex: how is this text different from a novel, and why? Visit college lecture
• Parent involvement
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Parent kick-off with food and prizes Individual letter to each parent following up with mentor introduction to parents Family night – invite parents, students, and mentors to a social gathering (i.e. BBQ) Monthly newsletter and progress reports
Talking points/outreach to faculty
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Rafting trip or other outdoor activity Teaching students that service to the environment/community might inspire service to family (i.e. clean their rooms)
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It’s in your grant (NSF and others may require educational/outreach component for all grants) Exchange 2-page write-up for mentoring activity by faculty Outreach/service activities are necessary on CV’s of candidates for small college/teaching faculty positions Outreach/service components are required for NSF grants TA-ships
• • • • Transportation
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Getting EM as a student priority
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• • • Efficient use of coordinator’s time
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Utilize public transportation Promote alternative work/bike to student and mentor Form transportation groups (car pooling) Mentor travel stipend if picking up mentees Check on public school bus transport (can be requested by teacher/FREE) Partner with Gear Up/Upward Bound student org Look for opportunities to get students course credit or special recognition at graduation for participating in EM (ex: independent studies) Certificate program for mentees awarded by university for research project/work Also use EM project as science fair project (FFA, 4-H?) High Schools allocate time for EM (in class or after school?) Utilize graduate student coord. Utilize undergrad student coord. Streaming media videos and automate/cover training and information details of program EM Online Community