WE ARE CURRENTLY RECRUITING FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR FOR STEM MENTOR VOLUNTEERS AND STEM MENTOR TEACHERS. PLEASE SELECT THE REGISTRATION FORM THAT BEST DESCRIBES YOU.
About the STEM Mentor Program
Started in 2011, STEM Mentors is a mentoring program that connects talented teachers and robotics coaches with experienced STEM professionals to support hands-on, minds-on curriculum in the classroom. In partnership with Eli Lilly, this program is committed to connecting local STEM Professionals to local elementary, middle, and high schools to help share outside experience and connect what the students are learning to the real world. STEM Mentors is a great solution to ensure all Indiana students know someone in the STEM field, and can see themselves as a future STEM professional!
It is important to break down barriers and stereotypes of what a STEM professional is and this program grants inside access to the mind of a STEM mentor who can share their life experience, and inspire students to see themselves as a STEM professional. Read below on why mentoring is important, how to get involved, and our impact overall.
Why Mentoring matters
Mentoring can empower students who are members of underrepresented populations, to pursue their interests in STEM. Some of the benefits of successful mentoring include, helping eliminate young students’ stereotypes about who can succeed in STEM, clarifying the results of STEM studies and careers, and supporting improvements in social, emotional, and behavioral health (Afterschool Matters, Making and Mentors).
Mentoring is one form of social capital that anyone can exercise. Research indicates that the consistent, enduring presence of a caring adult in a young person’s life can be the difference between staying in school or dropping out, making healthy decisions or engaging in risky behaviors, and realizing one’s potential or failing to achieve one’s dreams. Mentoring improves attitudes and decreases anxiety around STEM subjects. Mentoring also improves STEM-related grades/test scores and increases enrollment and persistence in post-secondary STEM courses.
Getting Involved
We partner with STEM companies throughout Indiana to recruit volunteers as "STEM Mentor" to volunteer throughout the school year either during regular school hours, after school during robotics practices, or for those that can not commit a full year 1 time opportunity. These STEM Mentors work one-on-one with a teacher or robotics coach to help connect what is being taught with a STEM career.
We also welcome any school in Indiana to apply to receive a STEM Mentor. All grade levels K - 12 are encouraged to bring local STEM professionals to their classrooms to help out with all aspects of hands-on STEM learning.
4 different ways to volunteer
STEM Mentor - In the Classroom
STEM Mentor work one-on-one with a teacher for at least 1 hour per month to help connect what is being taught in the classroom to STEM careers. Mentors work with teachers to provide in-person classroom engagement, as well as hands-on STEM learning activities.
NEW: You will volunteer with the newest program in our State Robotics Initiative, VEX GO. VEX GO allows students to explore the wonders of robotics in a classroom setting. Robotics knowledge is not required!
STEM Mentor - After School Robotics
TechPoint Foundation for Youth is most known for our efforts in helping start robotics teams throughout the state of Indiana. Our impact has greatly increased the interest in after school robotics programs and we are now looking for volunteers to help support teachers with technical knowledge as well as serve as a mentor to students! With the leadership of teachers and coaches, you will provide coding, building, mechanical and problem solving support to local teams in an after school setting.
One Time Event Mentor Help
Looking to get involved in robotics but can’t commit to ongoing volunteer work? Teams still need support as they host local robotics events. You will have the opportunity to interact with local teams while providing an unforgettable experience for the students. With hundreds of robotics events all over the state, finding an event has never been easier. These events typically take place on Saturdays and need minimal training.
One Time Robot Team Mock Interviews
As teams prepare for local robotics competitions, they need help and guidance with one of the most important aspects of competing - judging. At these events, Judges interview students with the purpose of finding teams that are excellent on and off the field. Judges ask teams about their robot, codes, building process, game strategy, and overall experience in order to present these teams with judges awards!
Interested volunteers will travel to after school robotics practices and help prepare these students for local events by asking them questions, providing feedback, and encouraging them for their upcoming event.
“On my second or third visit of the school year, the first year I was in the classroom in Avon, when I walked in the door the students clapped with excitement. It’s something I’ll never forget, and also something that never happens during my “normal” work day.”
How to get involved
The first step in joining this truly unique opportunity is to register for the program below! Once you have completed registration, you will receive more information on selecting an opportunity, choosing a date for training (yes, we provide that!), and locking in your spot for this program. What are you waiting for??
STEM Mentor gives you a multitude of ways to volunteer! With new opportunities, volunteering has never been easier!
Offer your STEM knowledge in the classroom by volunteering at least one time a month during classroom instruction.
Assist robotics teams with their engineering and coding skills by volunteering after school during robotic team practices.
Volunteer one time through our various robotics programs
For more information, check out the Volunteer FAQs.
WE ARE CURRENTLY RECRUITING FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR FOR STEM MENTOR VOLUNTEERS AND STEM MENTOR TEACHERS. PLEASE SELECT THE REGISTRATION FORM THAT BEST DESCRIBES YOU.
Our Impact
Click on a blue icon above to find what schools still need STEM Mentors
“My STEM Mentor was amazing! The ideas and insight he brought to the classroom was great for the kids. If nothing else, his presence as a STEM professional made my students more focused on their work. They worked hard for him and would often say they couldn’t wait to share their progress to him when he came on Thursday morning. I had other students from other classes ask why he couldn’t come to their classes. His presence and input was so valuable.
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“My class loves Ms. Mary Knadler! They are excited every Monday knowing she is coming and getting to learn from her.”
Questions? Please email stempartners@techpointyouth.org.