The Mentor Matching
Engine (MME) Program
Through the Mentor Matching Engine (MME), high school students across Illinois connect with professional mentors to collaborate on a long-term research project. Students research and innovate in traditional STEM topics, as well as intersectional topics such as social sciences, arts & humanities, social justice, and more. Hear from our students on the Mentor Matching Engine!
Sign Up to be a Mentor
Interested in supporting the next generation of leaders, researchers, and innovators? Volunteering as a mentor on the Mentor Matching Engine is one of the easiest ways for individuals to get involved with our work here at ISTC Education!
Mentorship is a form of skills-based volunteering, in which you can use the experiences and knowledge from your professional journey to guide a high school student as they begin their own. Anyone with a passion for sharing their expertise and an hour of extra time each week during the school year can become a mentor.
Keep scrolling to learn more about the program and what mentorship entails on MME!
2023-24 Impact
%
Of student participants increased or maintained their interest in pursuing research in the future.
%
Of students reported being more confident in their research skills—such as communication, project management, and decision making—following participation in the program.
%
Of teacher participants reported that their students improved their overall research skills.
How It Works
MME is a long term, high dosage model, with most mentorships lasting a semester or full academic year. Students typically begin between September and November by creating a research project on the platform. They then select from a pool of thoroughly vetted, volunteer mentors with relevant subject matter expertise. The students and mentors work together on the project over the course of the year, with consistent teacher oversight.
Each week, students and mentors interact through ISTC Education’s virtual collaboration tool, the Mentor Matching Engine platform. Using a discussion board and built-in video conferencing feature, mentors will typically spend up to one hour per week conversing with, providing feedback, and supporting students throughout the research process.
