NSO Course Catalog

Physical and Environmental Science Mentorship 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.​

The complete series is the equivalent of two year-long courses in a student’s schedule, recognizing the significant time commitment given to the experience.

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.

Assignments include:

• Developing a professional resume
• Conducting informational interviews
• Reading and annotating articles from professional journals
• Watching and summarizing TedTalks lectures relevant to area of study
• Creating a professional-level project under the mentor’s guidance
• Developing an electronic professional portfolio

Physical and Environmental Science 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.

For additional information, please visit Honors Mentor Connection Online.