Empowering the next generation through mentorship in science, technology, engineering, math, & medicine
High School Program
At Clear Direction Mentoring (CDM), high school students interested in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine (STEMM)—our “Fellows”—are matched 1:1 with mentors who are graduate students or postdoctoral researchers in STEMM fields. These mentors provide invaluable support, helping Fellows build a sense of belonging in STEMM, offering socioemotional guidance, fostering accountability, and assisting with college and scholarship applications. Mentors also offer academic tutoring and ongoing intellectual, emotional, and professional support to help students persist and thrive in their chosen STEMM pathways.
Each year, CDM hosts five large-group events called “Academies,” where Fellows explore STEMM professions through immersive experiences. These include hands-on lab work at NYU Langone Health and CU Anschutz Medical Campus, field trips to observe open-heart surgeries, engineering labs where they build solar-powered charging stations, and other interactive opportunities to explore emerging STEMM fields and career paths. In addition, we hold three formal community-building events to strengthen peer connections and mentor relationships.
Through these experiences, CDM empowers students—especially those from historically underrepresented communities—to see themselves as future leaders in STEMM. We don't just teach technical skills; we cultivate self-confidence, connect students with role models who reflect their identities, and foster a lasting community of support that students carry with them for years 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 addition 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.”