Honors Mentor Connection is an advanced learning experience for high school students who seek a challenge, and who are ready to explore their academic and professional goals for the future.
Students who have the opportunity to study under the guidance of a professional may have access to unique learning resources:
- Academic and professional expertise,
- State-of-the-art equipment and facilities,
- Professional conferences and publications,
- Colleagues of the mentor,
- Authentic experience-based learning immersed in the culture of the field, and
- Innovative processes of research, development, and/or production
It is through the kindness and generosity of the finest corporations, institutions, and individuals from throughout the metropolitan area that Honors Mentor Connection is able to provide extraordinary learning experiences for highly talented and motivated students guided by eminent professionals.
Honors Mentor Connection (HMC) courses are the equivalent of two 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:
Art (14510-20-30-40): Dance, writing, music, sculpture, design, photography, architecture, theater
Medicine and Health (67510-20-30-40): Any medical specialty, including nontraditional medicine
Social and Behavioral Science (89510-20-30-40): Law, psychology, economics, social work, community service, politics, business, or other areas
Physical and Environmental Science (XXX10-20-30-40): Astronomy, physics, thermodynamics, electronics, sensors, bioremediation, ecosystems management, environmental engineering, land resource management, pollution, or ecosystem impacts
Chemistry and Life Science (XXX10-20-30-40): Chemistry, energy and alternative fuels, material science, plant physiology, population genetics, general biochemistry, microbiology
Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (XXX10-20-30-40): Aerospace, aerodynamics, electrical engineering, vehicle development, mechanical engineering, robotics, probability and statistics, databases, and computer engineering
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: The HMC course is divided into four sections to be taken during a single school year: A, B, C, and D.
Option 1:
- HMC A taken during spring semester
- HMC B taken during the summer session
- HMC C taken during the fall semester
- HMC D taken in the following spring
Option 2:
- HMC A & B taken during the summer session
- HMC C taken during the fall semester
- HMC D taken during the spring semester
Option 3:
- HMC A & B taken during the fall semester
- HMC C & D taken during the spring semester
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).