Frequently Asked Questions

The NYC Science Research Mentoring Consortium (The Consortium) is a partnership of academic, research, and cultural institutions committed to providing dynamic, mentored, science research experiences for NYC high school students who have an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Our mission is to provide students from historically underrepresented backgrounds in STEM fields and careers access to innovative research internships that will support them in their college and career pathways.

The Consortium cultivates a community of practice among a diverse network of scientists and educators. Together this community invests in and empowers our scholars to succeed in STEM academically and professionally.

The Consortium currently consists of 28 partners with 500+ students and 380+ scientist mentors participating annually.

The Consortium consists of 28 partner programs from academic, cultural, and research institutions across NYC. Visit our Programs page for a complete list of our current partners.

Eligibility requirements vary by program, but all programs require students to live and attend school in NYC. Please refer to our Programs page for program-specific eligibility information.

There are many benefits to participating in a Consortium program!

• Authentic, Mentored Research: all students complete 100+ hours of authentic science research alongside a scientist mentor.

• Stipend: all students receive a stipend for their participation. The amount and frequency of the stipend varies by Consortium program.

• Exposure to STEM Careers: gain hands-on experience in STEM careers and research

• College Readiness: Consortium programs also host college readiness workshops providing students with tools and resources to succeed in college.

Each Consortium program is independently managed and run, but students across the Consortium can expect:

• 30+ hours of STEM competency learning on foundational scientific concepts and lab skills

• 100+ hours of mentored science research

• Access to academic and career guidance for science success

• Access to workshops and presentations that support fluency in science communication

• A culminating project that allows students to develop and present their research

In general, students contribute to their mentor’s ongoing research or a research project the mentor has developed for the scope of the program. In some programs, students play a larger role in designing their project. You can have some autonomy in your research by electing to apply to the program(s) that align with your interests.

Each program has its own application process. Please refer to our Programs page for program-specific application information.

Alumni should join our Alumni Connects where we regularly share opportunities and resources for our alumni community!

Support for the NYC Science Research Mentoring Consortium is generously provided by The Pinkerton Foundation. Pinkerton Science Scholars are students participating in, or alumni of, the Consortium’s programs.

All mentors undergo youth development training with program staff prior to working with students. Additionally, many of our mentors return each year, so have previous experience working in the lab and on research with young people.

Each program has their own eligibility requirements and application process. Please refer to our Programs page to find a program that fits your child’s interests!

Yes, mentors are compensated for working with students. Compensation varies by program from stipends to equipment provided. Please contact program staff for details.

Requirements vary by program, but all mentors must participate in that program’s preparation workshops and be able to commit the time required for that program.

If you are already affiliated with a Consortium partner institution, please reach out to their program staff to learn how to get involved. If you are interested in mentoring and have questions about which program might be a good fit for your research interests and experience, please contact us.

It is important to consider the student’s or students’ interests then read through all the program’s descriptions to narrow down the best options for them. Since each program in the Consortium is independently run and managed, please contact a program of interest for more specific information.

Please email nycsrmc@amnh.org.

Please email nycsrmc@amnh.org.