PATHS
Mentorship
Program
.png)
PATHS is a program to inspire and empower LGBTQ+ youth and young adults interested in careers in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) fields through storytelling by current LGBTQ+ STEAM professionals, and provides connection to the resources needed to pursue STEAM careers.
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.
Questions about this opportunity will be answered by email only. Please contact Kristen Kelley, Programs and Communications Manager with any questions.
PATHS Mentorship Program FAQs
WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS?
To be eligible to participate in the mentorship network, individuals must:
1. identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community
2. 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
3. commit to regular participation in mentorship meetings of at least once per month.
WHAT DOES PARTICIPATION ENTAIL?
PATHS Mentorship workshops will be held once 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 these monthly meetings. 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 12 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 Manager, Kristen Kelley at kkelley@lgbttech.org.