Students > My Uni Life > Student voice and leadership > Volunteering and leadership programs > In2science

In2science

Become an In2science mentor

Volunteer in year 7–10 science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) classes and help students build their confidence and interest in STEM.

In2science is a multi-university mentoring program that connects university students with high school students. As a mentor, you’ll support students with their learning and share your experience of studying at university.

The program focuses on supporting students from groups that are under-represented in STEM, particularly those from low socio-economic and regional backgrounds.

In2science partners with secondary schools in:

  • Albury-Wodonga
  • Bendigo
  • Geelong
  • Melbourne
  • Mildura
  • Shepparton

Why become an In2science mentor?

Make a difference in your community by helping to break down stereotypes about people who pursue STEM while building skills and experience you can use in your studies, work and beyond. As a mentor, you'll:

  • develop communication and interpersonal skills
  • build leadership experience
  • gain experience working in a classroom environment.

Your volunteering can contribute towards the Career Ready Advantage Award, helping you recognise your skills, experience and achievements and learn how to confidently communicate them to employers.

In2science also provides mentors with a range of career development opportunities beyond your time in the classroom, helping you to further develop transferable skills and network with STEM professionals.

What’s involved?

A mentor helping students with work in a school

  • Pair with a class

    You’ll be paired with a class in a school and visit them once a week for 10 weeks during semester.

  • Support and share

    Work with students and their teacher to support their learning, share your experiences and connect their schoolwork with real-world examples.

  • Spend time in the classroom

    Each session you’ll spend 1 to 1.5 hours with your paired class. Your time commitment each week will be no more than 3 hours, including travel to and from the school.

  • Receive training and support

    You’ll attend one 5-hour training session together with other trainee In2science mentors before your first placement. We also support you with a compulsory 3-hour catch-up session midway through your mentor program.

Who can become a mentor?

To become an In2science mentor, you need to:

  • be enrolled in a STEM (science, technology, engineering or maths) or health course at La Trobe and remain enrolled for the duration of the semester you are volunteering
  • have already completed at least two semesters of university study
  • hold a valid Working with Children Check (or update your existing check with In2science’s details)

Apply to become an In2science mentor

Applications are open all year round. Applications usually close a few weeks before each semester starts to allow time for training. Late applications will be considered for the following semester.

Apply now

For more information about the program, check out the In2science website