UA Science: Sky School’s Research Apprenticeship Program for the 2021-22 school year – UA Sky School is seeking individuals excited to engage with youth in science. We are recruiting undergraduate Field Study Mentors to work with a diverse group of high school students and recent graduates to develop and implement field-based research projects as part of a new Sky School offering centered on an introduction to higher education with a focus on STEM. Two students will be paired with each University of Arizona (UA) undergraduate student mentor and a UA graduate student science advisor as they design and carry out original field research on topics of the students’ choosing. This is a valuable opportunity to gain experience with science education and communication, and the process of scientific research, utilizing the unique environments of the Sonoran Desert. Training will be provided for effective mentoring, along with support throughout the mentoring process to include feedback on improving facilitation, teaching, and scientific process skills.

Mentors will benefit by:

• Improving their ability to conduct a field research project, communicate scientific information, and model science-related career skills
• Enhancing their ability to inspire, engage, and educate a diverse population of youth in STEM
• Building organizational skills while helping mentees conduct their projects
• Gaining experience engaging with local environments, researchers, and land managers
• Developing a better “sense of place” with attention to the natural and cultural history of the Tucson region
• Receiving a stipend of $1000 for participating in both the fall and spring semesters

Fall, 2021: Saturdays, generally 8:30 – 2:30, Oct. 2 to Dec. 4 (except Nov. 27- Thanksgiving Break); Weekly or bi-weekly meetings with the students you’re mentoring will be scheduled at times convenient to both of you.

Spring, 2022: Saturdays, generally 8:30 – 2:30, Feb. 19 to April 30 (except March 5 & 12- Spring Break); Weekly or bi-weekly meetings with the students you’re mentoring will be scheduled at times convenient to both of you

Transportation will be provided from the UA main campus or other accessible locations to field sites

Email applications to UASkySchool@gmail.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning Monday, September 13th.

Please include:

• Statement of interest, explaining your prior related experience and qualifications, as well as your desired personal outcomes for the experience (one page limit)
• CV or résumé, including any relevant experience with mentoring, education and outreach, outdoor activities, or research
• Letter of support from an advisor, professor, or other person familiar with your work (can be sent separately to the Sky School email address above)