Join Clear Direction Mentoring

Why you should get involved

CDM is making a real impact in the lives of historically marginalized youth by providing them with life-changing experiences and mentorship that support them in their pursuit of a STEMM career. The organization is on the cusp of a breakthrough in growth and sustainability. This is an opportunity to play a major role in shaping its future. It is an opportunity to expand your network by collaborating with like-minded individuals and community leaders, as well as honing your leadership skills, strategic thinking, and fundraising expertise in service of a great cause.

Become a Fellow

Status: Applications CLOSED | Window: May 15th - August 1st

Clear Direction Mentoring Fellows are high school students (sophomore to senior year of high school) and alumni (college students who have graduated from our high school program).

These students qualify for Clear Direction Mentoring by demonstrating the following:

  • - They are interested in a career in science, technology, engineering, math, or medicine (STEMM) as determined by their own declaration and/or letters of recommendation

  • - They have completed the Clear Direction Mentoring Fellowship application in a thorough and compelling manner

  • - They are from a marginalized background

Become a Mentor

Status: Applications CLOSED | Window: May 15th - August 1st

Mentors come from all backgrounds and represent a diverse community of STEMM professionals. They are current graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in STEMM fields who have demonstrated an immense passion for inclusive, collaborative approaches to supporting underrepresented individuals in STEMM. Mentors exemplify a passion for justice, the scientific method, data-driven principles, immense compassion, open-mindedness, and extraordinary communication skills. We completely rely on the caliber of our mentors to promote positive experiences for our Fellows and they are highly vetted for their passion and experience.

Become a Board Member

We are looking for a new Board Member! At CDM, we are currently trying to ensure the sustainable growth and expansion of our mission, including the recruitment of full-time staff. We are actively seeking to increase the diversity of skills and expertise of individuals on our board.

How to Apply:

If you are enthusiastic about our mission and have the skills to drive our fundraising efforts, we would love to hear from you. Please send your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your fundraising and development experience to cleardirectionmentoring@gmail.com with the subject “Interested in Board Position”.

Become a Volunteer

Volunteers are local or remote individuals who can contribute to our organization in any fashion. We have many committees that we’d love your support on: Communications, College Readiness, Grands and Partnerships, and Donor Relations. Additionally, if you are interested in hosting or contributing to one of our Saturday Academies, you’re welcome to sign up to do so! All volunteers must be over 18, and sign our volunteer agreement and code of conduct. If your role necessitates one-on-one contact with a Fellow, we require a background check and additional training.

Become a Partner

Partner organizations help us accomplish all of our goals by providing financial sponsorship, in-kind donations of space or volunteers, and/or creating internship opportunities for our Fellows.

How to Apply:

Please reach out to julia@cleardirectionmentoring.org if you are interested!

Become an Intern

Status: Applications CLOSED | Window: January 1st - March 3rd

College internships are targeted at undergraduate students looking for their first-time research experience. All students are invited to apply, but priority will be given to candidates with little or no prior research experience. We highly encourage students from historically underrepresented groups to apply.

Requirements:

  • - Must be a full-time college student in the fall semester immediately following the summer internship

  • - Must be able to commute to NYU Grossman School of Medicine or CU Anschutz Medical Campus

  • - Must be interested in conducting full-time research in a biomedical research lab during the summer

  • - Must fill out an application

Application FAQ

  • 1. Individuals from racial and ethnic groups that have been shown by the National Science Foundation to be underrepresented in health-related sciences on a national basis (visit nsf.gov to see data and the report “Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering”)

    2. Individuals with disabilities, who are defined as those with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, as described in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended. See NSF data here.

    3. Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, defined as those who meet two or more of the following criteria:

    a. Were or currently are homeless, as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act;

    b. Were or currently are in the foster care system, as defined by the Administration for Children and Families;

    c. Were eligible for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program for two or more years;

    d. Have/had no parents or legal guardians who completed a bachelor’s degree;

    e. Received support from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) as a parent or child.

    f. Qualify for Pell Grants (college-aged students).

    g. Grew up in one of the following areas: a) a U.S. rural area, as designated by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Rural Health Grants Eligibility Analyzer, or b) a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services-designated Low-Income and Health Professional Shortage Areas (qualifying zip codes are included in the file).

    4. Individuals who describe a compelling case of extreme circumstances they have overcome in their lives.

  • If you have one or more of the following qualifications, we would like to talk to you:

    • Demonstrated experience in fundraising and development, preferably in the non-profit sector.

    • Ability to think strategically and creatively to achieve fundraising goals.

    • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to network effectively.

    • Passion for CDM’s mission and a commitment to making a positive impact.

    • Previous board experience is a plus but not required.

    Note: No previous expertise in STEMM fields is required for this position.

    Responsibilities:

    • Attend and actively participate in monthly board meetings, offering insights and expertise to drive the organization's mission forward.

    • Cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners to secure financial support.

    • Work with, and ideally lead, the fundraising committee to develop and implement effective fundraising strategies.

    • Help to organize and oversee fundraising events, campaigns, and initiatives to meet fundraising goals.

  • Unfortunately, we only have location-based chapters for mentor and fellow pairs in Colorado and New York City right now. Thus, we only accept mentors in those locations. However, you can apply to be a volunteer and support our mission in other ways!

  • We focus on Sophomores in high school to early-college internship programs, so we currently don't offer any programs for middle schoolers, but please encourage them to apply when they are in high school!

  • Yay! We’re excited to engage with you. Please email julia@cleardirectionmentoring.org to find out more.