San Diego Supercomputer Center's Mentor Program Enters Second Year

The San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC) has concluded the first year of its Mentor Assistance Program (MAP) and is preparing to launch the second year.

The program, which is a collaboration between the SDSC at the University of California San Diego and the UC San Diego Division of Health Sciences, is designed to provide high school students with access to experts in their field of interest in order to help them prepare for their future careers. "MAP is focused on creating mentoring relationships that will enhance students' desire to learn, teach, and conduct research in a variety of fields, including science, technology, engineering and mathematics," stated a news release from the university. The program aims to provide a rewarding experience for high school students while providing flexibility for mentors, who typically have very busy schedules.

The first year of the program ran from November 2015 through May 2016. During that time, 77 students from 33 high schools in San Diego County worked with 34 mentors from 24 UC San Diego departments, assisting them on actual research projects. The program concluded with a symposium, where 65 of the students in the program presented 48 projects to an audience of nearly 300 school district administrators, principals, teacher and family members.

The organizers are now preparing to launch the second year of the program, which will run from November 2016 to May 2017. The program is already accepting applications from mentors. Students in grade 11 and 12 can apply from September 1 to 30. A select number of applicants will be chosen for the program. In the first year, the program received 225 applications and accepted 77 students.

Further information about the Mentor Assistance Program can be found on SDSC's site.

About the Author

Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  •  black graduation cap with a glowing blue AI brain circuit symbol on top

    Report: AI Is a Must for Modern Learners

    A new report from VitalSource identifies a growing demand among learners for AI tools, declaring that "AI isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a must."

  • AI-powered individual working calmly on one side and a burnt-out person slumped over a laptop on the other

    Researchers: AI's Productivity Gains Come at a Cost

    A recent academic study found that as organizations adopt AI tools, they're not just streamlining workflows — they're piling on new demands. Researchers suggested that "AI technostress" is driving burnout and disrupting personal lives, even as organizations hail productivity gains.

  • illustration of a football stadium with helmet on the left and laptop with ed tech icons on the right

    The 2025 NFL Draft and Ed Tech Selection: A Strategic Parallel

    In the fast-evolving landscape of collegiate football, the NFL, and higher education, one might not immediately draw connections between the 2025 NFL Draft and the selection of proper educational technology for a college campus. However, upon closer examination, both processes share striking similarities: a rigorous assessment of needs, long-term strategic impact, talent or tool evaluation, financial considerations, and adaptability to a dynamic future.

  • young woman using a smartphone, with digital AI and chat icons overlaid in a blurred academic setting

    Duolingo Embraces AI in Push for Scalable Learning

    Learning platform Duolingo has officially declared itself "AI-first," aiming to make learning replicable, scalable, and always available.