UCSD Summer Mentorship

Now in its third year, UC San Diego’s Mentor Assistance Program (MAP) is a campus-wide program, which will engage high school students in a mentoring relationship with an expert from a vast array of disciplines, from History, Marine Physical Sciences and Nanoengineering to Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Athletics and Computer Science. MAP’s mission is to provide a pathway for student researchers to gain access to UCSD faculty, post doctoral fellows and staff to mentor students in their own field of interest (i.e. independent study, class projects or possible career path). Students may choose to communicate with a mentor over email or may indicate their interest to visit the mentor’s lab or work environment. MAP is an opportunity for students to take the first step into a potential career path, while simultaneously building an early foundation for success in their academic career.

The UCSD Mentor Assistance Program (MAP) is an opportunity for motivated high school students to work with a UCSD mentor for a six-month period from November 2016 – May 2017. Students may seek guidance on class projects, delve deeper into a research project or interests, create a winning Science Fair projects, request regular visits with the mentor’s lab or work space or use this opportunity to learn more about a potential research or career interest through assigned scholarly or practical readings and discussions with their mentor.

As an example, if a student does not have a project in mind, but is interested in a particular area, such as bioinformatics, sports medicine or linguistic, the mentor can assign a scholarly article every other week and then the mentor will have bi-weekly discussion with the students about the articles, allowing the student to gain added knowledge to make continued education and career decisions.

We encourage students to make the most of this opportunity, as they will have 1:1 access to the mentor’s expertise. With this mentorship, there is not a specified number of hours required per week by the student. Rather, it is up to the student to determine their needs within the scope of this opportunity and to work with the mentor to achieve these goals. As a guideline, we recommend students spend 2-4 hours per week working with their mentor during the academic year. The opportunity to work with prestigious scientist and staff personnel is something very special and we encourage you to make the most of it.

Important Dates:

The MAP Online Application Process Now Open!

MAP Application Deadline: April 18, 2018

Period of Internship:  Fall 2018 – Spring 2019

(Students who begin Summer 2018 will continue through Spring 2019.)

Visit the UCSD Mentor Assistance Program page for more information!