Mentorship

Mentorship is at the heart of everything we do at STEM for Development (SFD). We connect talented STEM students and early-career professionals from economically developing regions with experienced researchers, educators, and professionals who guide them through academic, research, and career milestones.

Our mentorship programs equip participants with the knowledge, confidence, and professional skills to engage effectively in the international STEM community. Whether preparing for graduate study, pursuing research opportunities, or developing careers in science and engineering, our mentees receive the support they need to reach the next level.

The Graduate Application Mentorship Program

Each year, SFD runs a nine-month professional mentorship program that supports talented students in preparing for graduate study and international research opportunities.

The program begins in June with a short lecture and workshop series focused on developing core materials such as academic CVs and Statements of Purpose. Over the following months, mentees learn to identify potential supervisors, reach out to programs, refine research interests, and prepare for interviews and funding applications. By late summer, participants demonstrating strong motivation and readiness are paired with group or personal mentors who guide them one-on-one through the application process. Mentors provide detailed feedback, share experience-based insights, and help students communicate their strengths effectively.

While each mentee’s goals differ, all receive guidance on:

• Academic CV and research statement development
• Writing and revising Statements of Purpose
• Contacting and communicating with potential supervisors
• Interview preparation and decision-making after admission
   

The program concludes at the end of the application cycle in March or April. Each year, many participants gain admission to competitive master’s and doctoral programs around the world. Many former mentees later return as mentors, creating a self-sustaining model of peer leadership.

Continuing Mentor Support

SFD recognizes that progress in research and education rarely follows a single timeline. Some students take additional time to build experience or reapply after an initial cycle. For this reason, mentorship does not end when the formal program concludes.

Between cycles, SFD mentors continue to provide guidance to alumni who are refining their research interests, developing professional skills, or preparing for the next round of applications. Support may include:

• Feedback on new CVs, publications, or proposals
• Strategic advice for workplace or research challenges
• Continued professional and academic mentorship throughout the year
   

This continuity helps students sustain momentum and remain connected to a global community that values collaboration and growth.

Beyond Admissions: Research and Career Readiness

As global scientific career pathways evolve, SFD’s mentorship programs have expanded to support students preparing for research placements, online training programs, and early professional roles in science and engineering. Mentors help participants build transferable skills such as research communication, collaboration across cultures, and project management.

Through growing collaborations with universities, research institutes, and professional organizations, SFD enables participants to access meaningful research experiences and strengthen their readiness for advanced study or STEM careers.

Our long-term vision is to ensure that talented students everywhere can develop the experience and networks needed to contribute to global science and innovation.

Get Involved

If you would like to participate in our mentorship programs, visit the Become a Member section of this website to be notified when applications open.

 If you are an experienced researcher, educator, or professional interested in volunteering as a mentor, please reach out through the Contact Us page. Your guidance can shape the next generation of scientific leaders.