Last revised October 11, 2011 EnvironMentors Talking Points AUDIENCE Overall Impact
TALKING POINTS EnvironMentors is positioned to have a significant impact on critical needs of the nation's future STEM workforce and US global competiveness. Since inception in 1992, EnvironMentors has helped over 1300 students from underrepresented and at-risk backgrounds conduct hands-on, student-driven experimental science research in STEM fields, fostering inquiry-based critical thinking skills. As a university-based program, EnvironMentors exposes high school students to the network of college faculty, student and staff mentoring and university level research and experimentation that help facilitate careers aspirations in STEM fields. Throughout the academic program, students are exposed to their local community's environmental issues resulting in an increased understanding and concern for nature and the local/global environment.
University/College
For universities, EnvironMentors provides an important minority recruitment pathway for students underrepresented in the STEM fields. Engage students in real science applications that may not occur in the formal classroom, which further prepares potential students for science degrees at the university level. Highly structured, yet flexible curriculum that can be adapted to a diversity of chapter needs and locations. New partnerships with local businesses, agencies, and community groups that become involved through students, mentors, internships, scholarships, local and national EnvironMentors Fairs. Opens new doors for inter-departmental partnerships and interdisciplinary collaboration. Provides opportunity to provide community service and demonstrate commitment to local youth.
Potential Funders
EnvironMentors has exposed over 900 students from underrepresented and at-risk backgrounds to hands-on, student-driven experimental science research in STEM fields. EnvironMentors student participants gain improved scientific research, critical thinking, and problem solving skills expanded communications and presentation skills EnvironMentors serves underrepresented students in under resourced communities in 11 states across the country and in the District of Columbia. Increases students’ awareness of local environmental issues facing their communities. EnvironMentors has scaled from a community-based program to a nationally based chapter program with 13 chapters in just six years. EnvironMentors connects your school to your local academic institution, providing a pathway of collaboration and partnership for students and teachers. EnvironMentors can be implemented as a class-integration or afterschool model to provide a diverse and unique model for your school and students to apply real life science. Empower students to trust their ability direct their own learning, ask meaningful questions, and contribute to a scientific community dialogue. EnvironMentors students have an increased understanding of college preparedness particularly in STEM fields.
Partner High School
Students
Learn about different careers in science and how to pursue studies at university/college level. Guidance by a supportive learning community including mentors, university faculty and staff, and teachers. Learn about local environmental issues and conduct research in an area that you are most interested in.
Mentors
Give back to your professional field by supporting the increase of diversity among environmental
Last revised October 11, 2011 professionals and degree-seeking candidates. Network and socialize with other mentors from a broad spectrum of public and private sector agencies, organizations, and businesses Help build a strong environmentally-related science pipeline among communities, high schools, and universities. Develop a one-to-one friendship with a young person who can benefit both personally and academically.