Empowering the next generation through mentorship in science, technology, engineering, math, & medicine
High School Program
CDM pairs high schoolers interested in STEMM, “Fellows” with a 1:1 mentor who is a graduate student or postdoctoral fellow in a STEMM-related field. Our mentors provide invaluable support for the Fellows in a myriad of ways, including promoting a sense of belonging in STEMM, empowering socioemotional support, accountability and responsibility training, help with college admissions and scholarship applications, subject and admission test tutoring (as needed), as well as emotional, intellectual, and professional support to retain them within the STEMM training that they’ve chosen. Each year, CDM has five large-group events called “Academies” where we study STEMM professions and techniques, in addition to three formal community building events where we gather for immersive learning and bonding as a group. Academies include in-lab experimental learning at NYU Langone Health and CU Anschutz Medical Campus, field trips to watch open heart surgeries, engineering labs where they build solar panel-charging stations and amazing immersive experiences to learn about new STEMM fields, professions, and training pathways. It is through these impactful experiences that CDM continues to encourage underrepresented minority high school students to believe in themselves as leaders and see themselves as people who belong in STEMM-related careers. Yes, we teach them STEMM skills, but we also connect them with role models who look like them, promote their sense of self-efficacy, and we aid in cultivating a community of mutual support that will stay with them for decades to come.
"Doing a pathology lab in one of our Academies really narrowed down what I wanted to do in the future."
- Stephy, Current CDM Fellow
“I feel more empowered because CDM helped me realize it’s all about my mentality. I now have a deeper understanding that it is okay to want to make a better life for myself and my family. I now have a constant desire to learn from those who have come before me, and I feel called to be there for those who come after me. CDM drives me to continue shooting for the stars because the more I grow, the more I can give back to those who may not know how far they can aim.”
- Uwa, Alumni Fellow and Intern, Nurse, & Nurse Practitioner Student
“Participating in the CDM program has profoundly impacted my life by providing me with an invaluable support network comprised of highly dedicated and accomplished individuals in STEMM fields.”
- Amisha, Alumni CDM Fellow and Intern and current Medical School Student
College Internship Program
Clear Direction Mentoring has partnered with labs and departments at CU Anschutz Medical Campus and NYU Grossman School of Medicine to offer paid full-time summer research internships for undergraduate students. In addiition to research experience in the lab, students will receive academic and career development workshops and support from CDM throughout the program.
Mentor Training
Mentor training is a 5-day mandatory mentor onboarding event that takes place at the start of each CDM academic year. The training is for new and returning mentors and covers information regarding activities and events, review of policies and mentor responsibilities, fundamentals of mentorship, and lessons on building inclusive STEMM communities. The training culminates in a mentor meet-and-greet that marks the kick-off of the program!
“Our mentors build community, and as we get closer, we are in the perfect position to lift each other up and learn from each other. Each year, our community gets stronger, we all become better mentors and leaders, and we build up these skills we can use no matter where we are, for the rest of our lives.”
“The mentorship training and support offered by CDM has given me the tools necessary to be a more confident and flexible mentor. With regular check-ins, mentors are given the space to brainstorm ways to better support their Fellows and to learn from CDM alumni.”