Florida Atlantic University has a unique medical mentoring program open to high school students. It starts at the end of August (the application period is at the beginning of the month), so be sure to act fast as the school year starts.

There are two types of mentorships for the medical pathway.

For juniors (and if there is room, sophomores), weekly sessions are held at FAU’s College of Medicine every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. FAU medical students, faculty, and other healthcare professionals host short lectures, and as stated by the program, are followed by “small-group problem solving discussions to encourage and facilitate dialogue about the information covered during the lecture. Topics of emphasis will include resume development, financial literacy, college essay writing, and research ethics/techniques.”

As stated by the program: “Students are expected to actively participate in discussions. Each day will conclude with a hands-on activity or workshop. Students will be assessed on the basis of their oral participation and a group presentation. Upon successful completion of the program, all participants will receive certificates of merit.”

Seniors can apply to the FAU Bridge to Medicine Mentorship. Here, students are matched long-term with a first- or second-year medical student. There are bimonthly meetings, where one is a fun activity with a mentor (such as baking or going to a park) and the other is a more formal meet on Zoom.

As a current mentee, I went to the FAU College of Medicine for the first official meeting. Breakfast was offered, and the program directors and mentors were introduced. They held a tour of FAU’s campus (with emphasis on the medical buildings, such as the cadaver lab) while discussing the goals of the Pathways mentorship. I have met with my mentor during the month for productive Barnes and Nobles sessions (while even getting help with college applications), and we are planning on also visiting Morikami soon.

“This year, Pathways has partnered with community-based non-profit organizations to provide students with longitudinal volunteer projects that will run through the academic year.”

Apply early next year to experience this mentorship yourself! (And it may be beneficial if you want to be accepted at FAU’s BS/MD program.)