What is CHOICES?
CHOICES—Charting Horizons and Opportunities in Careers in Engineering and Science—is the coolest engineering and science outreach program in the known universe. It happens to be for middle-school girls.
The entire CHOICES experience, through the one-day program in the spring and weeklong summer day camp, is designed to prove that science is accessible to everyone. It’s fun, challenging, interesting, and, in a word...cool.
In 2024, the summer camp schedule is as follows:
- Camp 1, June 17-21
- Camp 2, June 24-28
What are the qualifications for being a mentor?
CHOICES mentors must be current Lehigh women engineering students. Our funding through Bosch Rexroth requires this specificity.
What are the roles of a mentor?
The mentors are with the girls through the entire day camp. They are responsible for the campers’ well-being as well as introducing them to all the excitement of engineering. The mentors serve as a bridge between the campers and the volunteer professors.
Breakdown of mentor responsibilities:
- Attend orientation (CPR and first aid training included) date TBD
- Camp times 7:30 am-4:00 pm (Times may vary slightly due to day’s agenda)
- Responsible for the well-being of middle school group members (about 5 students)
- Assist professors in group activities
- Work with other mentors and junior mentors
- Encourage fun, harmony, and excitement during group activities
- Help in set up and take down daily
What are the benefits of being a mentor?
- One of the top benefits of mentoring a small group of girls is seeing the joy and excitement they have while completing engineering/STEM projects as well as the knowledge that this is something they CAN do. They CAN be an engineer—just like you. You become their role models.
- You can also fulfill any volunteer hours that may be required as Lehigh student. Paperwork available by request.
- Mentorship looks great on a resume. Many engineering companies are looking to expand their outreach programs. To have participated in and shown leadership skills one as successful and predominant as Lehigh University CHOICES is a great line in the resume.
- Leadership skills are also valued when applying for the various learning experiences across Lehigh’s campus. If you need a recommendation, we are willing to provide you with one.
- This is a paid position.
What dates will be required?
You can participate in one or both of the 2023 camps:
- Camp 1, June 19-23
- Camp 2, June 26-30
To notify us of your interest in CHOICES mentorship, please complete this brief form.