Afterschool STEM Mentoring Program
Specially designed to inspire and support high school students with a keen interest in having a career in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Inspiring the Next Generation
of Innovators in STEM!
The Afterschool STEM Mentoring Program (ASMP) provides an opportunity for girls and boys from around the world to explore their interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
High school students will participate in 10 week all-virtual sessions focusing on essential STEM skills and fields, innovation competence education, self-awareness and social impact. Industry professionals and academics will enrich their STEM knowledge and skills through interactive hands-on workshops and seminars on a variety of STEM topics, to broaden students’ knowledge and perspectives.
The program embraces team projects and presentations that offer potential solutions to real-world challenges, with an emphasis on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Students who complete the program earn the STEM Future Ready Achievement Certificate awarded by AfriteQ Academy.
It was a fun and enlightening process. Unlike the previous SWE competitions where we worked alone, we had to work in groups this time. This was a bitter-sweet journey of arguments, teamwork, criticism, contradiction of ideas and compromise. It has taught us how to be good team members. We also had mentors to guide us all the way. Personally, my mentor was one in a million. She was able to teach me several things about all aspects of life without encroaching on my personal space. She taught me several things that I would not have been able to learn elsewhere. She was patient enough to answer all my questions. It was in all, a jolly good ride.
Toluwani Alonu
Mentor, 2024 Cohort 1Program Dates
- Application opens for mentors - February 07, 2024
- Application closes for mentors - March 07, 2024
- Rolling in Interviews for mentors - March 10, 2024
- Orientation for mentors - March 31, 2024
- Application opens for mentees - March 08, 2024
- Application closes for mentees - April 08, 2024
- Orientation for mentees - April 15, 2024
- Mentorship classes begins - April 20, 2024
- Midpoint checkpoint virtual workshop - Mid May, 2024
- End of mentorship classes - June 22, 2024
- Collection of certificates and rewards - July 06, 2024
Mentees:
Who can apply?
The program is available only via application and a 30 minutes interview.
Applications for Cohort 1 are closed.
Applications for Cohort 2 will be open soon!
Participant age:
Must be 13-16.5 years old at the program start date
English
Ability to participate fully, both online and in a classroom setting, in a program conducted entirely in English.
- Interest in STEM, sustainability, and social impact
- Curiosity and willingness to interact with diverse global peers and network with role models.
Participants should have an internet-accessible computer, smartphone or other digital device to access the virtual program content and participate in online dialogue sessions.
Mentors:
Who can apply?
The program is available only via application and a 30 minutes interview.
- Strengthen your knowledge by sharing your experiences with budding STEM protégés
- Expand your network and gain new perspectives
- Receive recognition by demonstrating your value to others and being a leader in your field
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
- Submit an online application form
- Work in science, technology, engineering and/or innovation fields
- Commit to all one-on-one mentoring sessions and selected events
- Demonstrate passion and interest in research, development, and innovation
Frequently Asked Questions
The 10-week virtual program consists of both “live” synchronous activities (dialogue sessions on Zoom with your global peers, mentors and STEM Guardians) each week, as well as self-paced/asynchronous content (online, interactive modules, games, and quizzes).
Participation will require approximately 2-3 hours of your time each week.
The virtual program is designed to be flexible enough that it can fit around your school schedule.
In addition to filling out your online application you will also be asked to submit the following forms:
- Academic History
- Parent/Guardian Permission Form
- Recommendation Letter
These forms can be accessed from the application portal. Please refer to the due date in the application portal. Late forms will not be accepted, and applications with missing forms will be considered incomplete.
The Academic History form should be completed by you and signed or stamped by an administrator at your school. A digital signature is acceptable if you are unable to have your form signed in person.
Please include your grades from your most recently completed academic year or term.
You may request a letter of recommendation from any teacher, tutor, mentor, or counselor who can provide us with more information about your academic and extracurricular merits.
We strongly recommend against the sole use of ChatGPT or other AI tools on your application. Your essays and program communications should be in your own words and should not be written by someone else on your behalf.
Based on the information you submitted in your application form, the matching criteria will mainly depend on your interests, career preferences and overall needs to support you in developing your skills.
If you are unable to attend a session with your mentor, kindly notify your mentor of the scheduling conflict at least 24 hours in advance, allowing for the opportunity to reschedule the session accordingly.
In that case, please contact the programme coordinator to find a solution.
A letter of recommendation, certificate of participation & achievement and social recognition.
