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January 29, 2014

Mentoring matters to success in STEM

Join NSF for a discussion on the value of mentors to students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Panelists include awardees of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring--Frank Bayliss, San Francisco State University Department of Biology; Sheryl Burgstahler, University of Washington, College of Education; Lesia Crumpton-Young, University of Central Florida, Department of Engineering; Charles Thompson, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, along with student Barbara Deschamp--as well as Fae Jencks, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and NSF Assistant Director Joan Ferrini-Mundy, who leads the Education and Human Resources directorate.

The following questions from followers were addressed at these points in the Hangout video:

  • What are the greatest hurdles in STEM schooling and careers which mentors should be addressing with their students? 4:52
  • How do you manage the mentoring relationship? Is it always 1:1 or is it sometimes one mentor to many students? Also, how are outcomes documented/measured? 22:12
  • Should STEM become STEAM? What does the research say about blending science and art? 27:20
  • Is there any support given to a STEM educator to recruit and retain future young STEM students? 28:44
  • What suggestions could you give to someone starting and sustaining a middle school STEM program in a rural area? 33:39
  • What has worked to recruit and maintain mentors? What qualifications are needed? How do you ensure the relationship is sustainable? 35:05
  • What models work at the community college level? Can you share some models that are exemplars? 37:00
  • Is there funding for scientific groups to provide travel support for STEM events, making them more accessible to youth? 38:37

Credit: NSF


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