Our mentorship program provides academic, social, and career guidance to underrepresented minority (URM) students who are interested in pursuing careers in STEM fields. Mentors meet regularly, virtually or in-person, with undergraduate students throughout an academic school year to inspire the next generation of STEM scholars and emerging professionals. Now in its 4th year, the program continues to grow and make an impact in STEM.

Mentorship Program

Applications Live!

Match’s announced October 19th, 2025!

  • Mentee

    • Be a current undergraduate student in STEM.

    • Must be a registered NALA(STEM) member - join here

    Mentor

    • Must be a registered NALA(STEM) member - join here

    • Excitement for Mentorship

      • 1-2 hours per month (flexible)

      • Willingness to give back to current undergraduate students

  • August
    🔹Applications Open

    September 15
    🔹 “Meet Our Mentors” goes live on the NALA (STEM) website

    September 15 – October 12
    🔹 Mentees schedule “Meet & Greet” sessions with mentors

    Monday, September 29 – 6:30 PM CST
    🔹 Virtual Kickoff Event – Connect with mentors, meet fellow participants, and learn about this year’s mentorship program

    Sunday, October 12
    🔹 Mentee application deadline

    Sunday, October 19
    🔹 Final mentor–mentee matches announced

  • 6:30PM CST Monday, September 29th

    A virtual meeting where mentors and mentees come together to connect, explore this year’s mentorship program, and learn more about NALA (STEM).

  • Launching September 15, 2025 on NALA (STEM)’s website, our mentors will be showcased with profiles that allow students to explore their backgrounds and schedule short “Meet & Greet” sessions.

  • Informal chats to ask questions, learn about career paths, and discover shared interests before committing to a year-long mentorship.

Mentor

Application

  • “I am very happy to have participated [in] many aspects of the LSAMP program over the years. I have been an undergraduate mentee, a Bridge to the Doctorate Program Scholar, and now I am serving as an Alumni Mentor. It is like coming full circle in this program. I am very grateful for the opportunities and experiences that I had as a mentee and now I look forward to helping other students move through college life to post-graduate studies.”

    Rita I Cáceres Charneco, Mentor

  • "Mentoring with NALA has been an amazing experience. I feel that I have grown better as a leader and mentor. Mentoring has been a passion of mine for a very long time as mentoring has been pivotal for my academic and career goals. It brings me such joy to see my mentees thrive, learn, and progress over time and I am forever grateful [to] NALA for providing me that opportunity!"

    Abby Cruz, Mentor

  • "The NALA mentorship program was my first ever mentoring experience, and I have to say I was nervous at first wondering how I could help a younger student; meanwhile, I am still navigating and learning in the research enterprise. However, I have to say I was beyond surprised to see that even the smallest act of guidance and sharing your experience is valuable for a younger student in this field. I must say, I loved the mentoring program."

     Valeria Alexandra Gerena Gonzalez, Mentor

Mentee

Application

Live September 15

Meet our Mentors

These meetings are intended to be brief (15–30 minutes) conversations that allow you to take ownership of your professional development and actively engage with a mentor.