SUPPORTING THE WHOLE STUDENT WITH MULTI-LEVEL MENTORING IN SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS

Effective mentoring is known to help level the playing field for students, especially those from groups underrepresented in science such as first-generation students, students from lower socioeconomic homes, and students identifying as being part of groups underrepresented in science. Strong mentoring coupled with information to students on how to be a good mentee and leverage mentoring relationships can significantly impact student academic and career decisions.

Our three internship programs target students at three academic levels: community college (Geo-Launchpad), upper level undergraduate (RESESS) and graduate levels (UNAVCO Student Internship Program). These programs have unique missions and goals and are run concurrently during the summer in a largely in-person format, with some hybrid (virtual/online) elements. Students participating in these programs range both in academic standing as well as age and life experience. All interns are supported through intentional mentoring efforts with staff, faculty members and graduate students. The in-person and virtual elements promote cohort building and facilitate near peer mentoring. In addition to providing student interns with meaningful experiences in science, we aim to nurture the whole student. We strive to make these connections as impactful as possible and set the stage for support that lasts well beyond the internship program. In this presentation, we share best practices on whole student mentorship and overall support of the next generation of scientists. Program evaluation includes both quantitative and qualitative data, providing evidence that the programming interns participate in throughout the summer, and at a national conference that same year, provide them with the initial network connections to feel confident in their decisions to pursue geoscience. The skills taught and strengthened throughout the summer programming provide students with the tools to seek out additional mentoring as they navigate their way to a career in the geosciences.