the e^3 mentoring program
Do I have a be a girl to join? How about underrepresented or disadvantaged?
The focus of E^3 is on self identifying women in STEM. These populations are detrimentally affected by the gender gap in science, engineering, technology, and mathematics fields. We welcome trans and cis women, as well as nonbinary and gender non-conforming folks.
Underrepresented, low-income, and disadvantaged status are in the eye of the beholder, but traditionally E^3 participants -- both mentors and mentees -- come from racial/ethnic minority communities, are children on immigrants, or have some other marginalized identity within the U.S. STEM landscape.
E^3 was founded in 2013 by a high schooler, Jwahir Sundai. The pilot session was a huge success. For our first session we explored the science at the TAZA chocolate factory. We went on various college visits such as Harvard and Boston University, run by our mentors currently attending these schools. We developed our leadership skills through activities during each session at the wonderful Microsoft NERD Center in Cambridge, MA. We featured STEM opportunities such as summer programs, fellowships, and out of school programs through our blog and daily announcements. We had a networking event with STEM professionals in the Boston area, and ended on a fun note watching the America's Got Talent Auditions in Boston.
How did E^3 start?
The program will have weekly meetings in Spring 2018. Official program dates will be added soon, but they correspond to the Boston Public School semester system, including breaks. Previously, E^3 has been held at local tech companies and universities. The Spring 2018 location is TBA, but it will accessible via an MBTA line.
When and where is E^3 held?
Does E^3 cost anything?
What are some previous E^3 activities?
No. This is a free program. All educational, admissions, and food costs will be covered by generous funders. We are working on funds for transportation to and from the meeting locations.
Examples of Saturday activites:
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Tech company tours (eg. Google)
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Resume editing, interview preparation and college application workshops
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"Elevator pitches" and networking
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Future Career Day highlighting successful women in STEM
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East Meets West Street Bio bioengineering/synbio experiment
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Cambridge Science Fair Trip
E^3 defines STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) consistently with the fields of STEM identified by the National Science Foundation: click here for a list
What counts as a STEM field?
Do I need a teacher recommendation?
No. Mentees' teacher recommendations are optional but it will help us get to know you better.
Who should I ask for a teacher recommendation?
Ask a teacher who knows you best, not necessarily a teacher whose class you did well in.
How can I support E^3?
Please donate to our GoFundMe found here or volunteer to be a college mentor. We are also assembling an advisory board of STEM and educational professionals. If you are interested, please contact us.
What do E^3 mentees go on to do?
100% of E^3 alumnae have gone to college, and are mostly in STEM or pre-health fields! Our alumnae attend a variety of institutions including UMass Amherst, BU, BC, Tufts, Harvard, Northeastern, Simmons, and Bryn Mawr. They have participated in research programs (as high school students!) at Boston University, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard, and beyond.
Can I be a mentor as a graduate student?
We consider graduate students who are women or non-binary, but give priority to undergraduates.