Empowering the next generation through mentorship in science, technology, engineering, math, & medicine
High School Program
CDM pairs high schoolers interested in STEMM ("Fellows”) with a single mentor who is either a senior PhD, MD/PhD, or MBA student, or a Postdoctoral Fellow in a STEMM-related field. Our mentors provide invaluable support for the Fellows in a myriad of ways, including help with college admissions and scholarship applications, accountability and responsibility training, subject and admission test tutoring (as needed), as well as emotional, intellectual, and professional support. Each year, CDM has five large-group events (“Academies”) where we gather for immersive learning and bonding as a group. These have previously included in-lab experimental learning at NYU Langone Health and CU Anschutz Medical Campus, field trips to watch open heart surgeries, and tours of technology companies such as Google and Spotify. It is through these impactful experiences that CDM continues to encourage underrepresented minority high school students to believe in themselves as leaders and see themselves as people who belong in STEMM-related careers.
“Clear Direction Mentoring has definitely helped me in the process of allowing me to develop my voice and become the person I am today.”
— Amisha, Fellow and Barnard Student
College Internship Program
Clear Direction Mentoring has partnered with labs and departments at CU Anschutz Medical Campus and NYU Grossman School of Medicine to offer paid full-time summer research internships for undergraduate students. In addiition to research experience in the lab, students will receive academic and career development workshops and support from CDM throughout the program.
Mentor Training
Mentor training is a 5-day mandatory mentor onboarding event that takes place at the start of each CDM academic year. The training is for new and returning mentors and covers information regarding activities and events, review of policies and mentor responsibilities, fundamentals of mentorship, and lessons on building inclusive STEMM communities. The training culminates in a mentor meet-and-greet that marks the kick-off of the program!
“Our mentors build community, and as we get closer, we are in the perfect position to lift each other up and learn from each other. Each year, our community gets stronger, we all become better mentors and leaders, and we build up these skills we can use no matter where we are, for the rest of our lives.”
“The mentorship training and support offered by CDM has given me the tools necessary to be a more confident and flexible mentor. With regular check-ins, mentors are given the space to brainstorm ways to better support their Fellows and to learn from CDM alumni.”