PATHS
Mentorship Program!
Visibility is important, and so is the opportunity to connect. The PATHS Mentorship Program connects LGBTQ+ individuals starting out in STEAM to a network of mentors and peers in order to ensure they have the guidance, resources, and support necessary to be successful in their pursuits into STEAM. We aim to build not only a network of support, but an entire community of LGBTQ+ STEAM professionals in which PATHS mentees will one day have the opportunity to be mentors to the next generation of community members entering STEAM.
LGBTQ+ individuals are not only less likely to enter STEAM fields in the first place, but they also have lower retention rates once they are in STEAM jobs and educational programs. Mentorship provides important support such as resources, guidance, and constructive feedback, and helps both mentors and mentees develop confidence, leadership skills, and job qualifications. Mentorship networks foster community, which can provide encouragement, safe space, and accountability. PATHS is committed to building a mentorship community in which mentees are developed into future mentors.
Applications for the PATHS Mentorship Network are accepted on a rolling basis. Mentorship cohorts begin every six months.
PATHS Mentorship Program FAQs:
What are the elgibility requirements?
To be eligible to participate in the mentorship network, individuals must:
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Identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community
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Be 18 years or older
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Have a U.S. Address (Mentees)
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Mentees must be currently involved in a STEAM education or career tract, or have an interest in pursuing STEAM. Mentors must be a current or retired STEAM professional.
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Commit to regular participation in mentorship meetings of at least once per month.
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Commit to regular participation in 1:1 mentorship meetings at least once per month.
What does participation entail?
PATHS Mentorship workshops will be held monthly. These workshops will consist of a current STEAM professional attending to speak with mentees and to answer questions, share resources, and facilitate conversations about LGBTQ+ experiences in STEAM spaces. Mentees are expected to attend at least one mentorship workshop per month. Additional meetings between individually paired mentors/mentees will also be facilitated, and time commitment and expectations will be defined between each mentor and mentee.
Can I participate if I am not a grant recipient?
Yes! While PATHS STEAM Educational Grant recipients are required to participate in the mentorship program for a minimum of 6 months after receiving their grant, the mentorship network is a resource open to the wider LGBTQ+ STEAM community.
If I participate as a mentee, can I later participate as a mentor?
PATHS is committed to developing our mentorship network's mentees into the next generation of LGBTQ+ STEAM mentors.
Where are the mentorship meetings held?
All mentorship meetings are held virtually. If access to tech devices to participate is a barrier for you, please check out our PowerOn program.
Additional questions?
Please contact our Programs Coordinator, Samantha Sygier
Mentee Application
The PATHS Mentorship Program connects LGBTQ+ STEAM professionals with community members interested in pursuing STEAM careers. The program consists of monthly mentorship workshops in which mentees meet with a rotating group of mentors from various STEAM fields to speak with them directly about their experience, seek advice, and ask questions. Mentees will also be pared with a mentor with whom they will meet 1:1 on a monthly basis. Regular participation in the PATHS Mentorship Program is required for PATHS grantees, however the mentorship program is open to other qualifying individuals.
Mentor Application
The PATHS Mentorship Program connects LGBTQ+ STEAM professionals with community members interested in pursuing STEAM careers. The program consists of monthly mentorship workshops in which mentees meet with a rotating group of mentors from various STEAM fields to speak with them directly about their experience, seek advice, and ask questions. Mentors will be asked to present once per cohort on a topic pertaining to career development in STEAM or LGBTQ+ empowerment in the workplace. Mentors will be paired with a mentee with whom they will meet 1:1 on a monthly basis.