In2science
Become an In2science mentor
In2science is an innovative and proven multi-university program that places volunteer University students as 'peer mentors' in high school science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) classes.
Mentors help to engage students in these disciplines to build confidence and inspire them to pursue STEM studies at school and beyond, with a special emphasis on students from underrepresented groups (including low SES and female students). Sharing the passion that led you to university can inspire the next generation.
Gain skills while motivating others
In2science mentors visit their high school mentees once a week over 10 weeks. Mentors help students with school work and share their experiences of studying at university. By becoming an In2science mentor, you can inspire secondary students while gaining:
- communication and interpersonal skills
- leadership experience
- exposure to a classroom environment from a new perspective
- recognition of volunteering through the La Trobe Career Ready Advantage Award program
- satisfaction that you are making a difference in the community.
What's involved?
In2science mentors work with secondary school STEM students for a 10 week period throughout the university semester. Working with the classroom teacher, the mentors help students, share their own experiences and motivations for studying at university, and relate schoolwork to real-world examples. In2science has two delivery methods:
In-class Mentoring
Mentors are paired with one class and visit the school for one period/session each week. Mentors help the students with their learning in a small group or whole class setting. The time each mentor spends in the school varies from placement to placement, as some may be a single (50-70 minutes) or double (1.5 hours) period.
eMentoring
An innovative online mentoring program that connects secondary school students in regional Victoria with eMentors over an interactive platform (MS Teams). eMentors are paired with 1-3 students and meet with them once a week for 10 weeks during the university semester. The time commitment is about 40 minutes per session, with no travel as meetings are entirely virtual.
Requirements to participate
All new In2science mentors must attend a pre-placement training session, usually held prior to the commencement of the university semester, as well as a mid-placement training session. These training sessions will give you to skills to make the most impact in your placement and to share your experiences with other mentors.
Prior to commencing, In2science mentors must complete a Working With Children Check application or update their existing Working With Children Check with In2science's details.
Who can become an In2science mentor?
To become an In2science mentor, you must:
- be enrolled in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) course at La Trobe University (health courses are also accepted)
- have completed at least two semesters of study at university
In2science partners with secondary schools in Melbourne, Geelong, Bendigo, Shepparton, Mildura and Albury-Wodonga.
Find out more and apply
Learn more about the In2science program and apply to become a mentor at www.in2science.org.au.