Expose  |  Explore  |  Excite  |  Inspire

Mentors are integral to the effectiveness of the UMB CURE Scholars Program. Research shows mentors play a vital role in the success of children. Mentors in the UMB CURE Scholars program are required to make a minimum of one year commitment to the program, but many make a three to seven year commitment see their scholar through middle or high school.

Mentors are matched 1:1 to support scholars in middle and high school academically, while encouraging scholars to pursue careers in healthcare.

What will mentors do?

CURE mentors cultivate relationships with their scholar to:

• EXPOSE scholars to science-related experiences as well as professional networks of people and businesses that may become important career connections.
• Help scholars EXPLORE experiences while navigating through middle school, high school, the college application processes and career experiences
• Provide support and encouragement that will INSPIRE each scholar to move beyond their current realm of knowledge to reach higher goals, broader aspirations, and greater dreams.
• Though hands on STEM activities and career exploration presentations, EXCITE the scholar about science and health care career options.
• Become a part of the scholars’ network of support that truly cares about the scholars’ health, education, and well-being.

CURE’s Commitment to Quality Mentoring

Maryland Mentor: Dedicated Program Partner

Mentor eligibility and requirements

Mentor

Choose to participate in one or all of the following:

• After-school component
• Saturday tutoring component
• Summer enrichment component

A minimum of a one-year commitment is necessary to be considered for mentorship. A minimum of two in-person mentoring sessions is required per month. All mentors are screened and trained by nationally acclaimed training agencies. Mentors can be UMB graduate students, professional school students, faculty, staff, or alumni; business professionals; community leaders or community volunteers. Mentors can serve in the capacity of tutor, activity planner, workshop presenter, life skills coach, and/or general supporter.

Campus champion

Assist in collecting donation items within your department or office and make arrangements to have the items picked up or delivered to the UMB CURE Scholars office. Additionally, campus champions will help spread the word about upcoming events and initiatives associated with the UMB CURE Scholars Program. Campus champions can be UMB graduate students, professional school students, faculty, or staff members.

Mentor training topics

• Mentor commitment
• Cultivating relationships
• Ongoing trauma training
• Impact of race and poverty
• Mentor/mentee matching
• Parameters of mentoring/risk management
• Utilizing the support team and case managers
• Scheduling/documenting hours, activities, and referrals
• Exposing and inspiring STEM and health care
• Ongoing support and assessments