Mentor Connection courses are a year-long advanced learning experience for high school seniors or juniors who seek academic challenge and who are ready to explore their goals for the future by participating in advanced study under the guidance of a professional in one of the following fields:
Arts (14510-20-30-40): Dance, writing, music, sculpture, design, photography, architecture, theater
Medical (67510-20-30-40): Any medical specialty, including nontraditional medicine
Social Science (89510-20-30-40): Law, psychology, economics, social work, community service, politics, business, or other areas
Students will spend the first part of the year learning about professional skill building, becoming acquainted with the literature of the profession and conducting informational interviews with experts in the field.
From these interviews the students will nominate a mentor, the person with whom they will work for the rest of the school year and complete a professional-level project that has real-world application. The student is expected to spend four to six hours per week under the guidance of the mentor.
One of the key assignments during the year is the creation of a professional digital portfolio where the public and community can see your work. Here’s a dance photography mentee’s portfolio.
Other assignments include:
- Developing a professional resume
- Conducting 8 informational interviews
- Reading and annotating 8 articles from professional journals
- Creating a professional-level project under the mentor’s guidance
Mentorship students develop an early professional reputation through a mutually beneficial mentor-protégé relationship, as they find ways in their day-to-day work at their mentorship sites to contribute to the mentor’s goals. They build skills in the areas of professional development, personal development, and leadership. Their experiences build a network of professionals and leaders, as well as peers who are emerging professionals and leaders.
Registration options:
- Four credits for the full school year (released form two classes)
- Two credits for the full school year(released from one class)
- Two credits for a one semester and summer mentorship combination
For more information, email: enrollment@district287.org
To apply, see this information on the Enrollment process.
Please check out the Science Mentorship pages for specific information on the Science Mentorship (SciMent) Progam.
To apply, see this information on the Enrollment process
For even more in-depth information please read the HMC Summary Paper (PDF).