"As a parent who has shopped a wide range of summer programs, I must congratulate you on your program. My son had a fantastic experience with his mentor, and is ecstatic over the research he worked on in his lab." "I am now a junior in college and I feel that my first exposure to research was in my mentor's lab during Mentor Connection and I wanted to let you know how important and cool I think it was to be exposed to research while in high school." "Things went very well in the lab. We had a tremendous experience with the students and all agreed that we'd do it again without hesitation." "I really got a lot of information and an understanding of the Puppetry program from the UCONN MC and I am so glad I got to have that experience, it really affected my choices and what I looked at in a college, plus it was incredibly fun." "My mentors were wonderful and I really enjoyed working with them. I liked being able to work on the experiment rather than watch it." "I can't thank you enough for the opportunity you gave him. It has literally changed his life. He looks forward to applying next year and seeing his friends again."
 "...We all came to this program with fears, expectations, excitement, and apprehensions, and we will leave with satisfaction and our summer goals realized..."
"...I learned a lot about professionalism and dedication from my mentor..." "...The presence of my mentors and those of 'higher knowledge' than myself has given me pride, confidence and even a little awe. It is wonderful to work with professionals, it is very rewarding..." |
UConn Mentor Connection: A Real-World Experience! UConn Mentor Connection is an annual, three-week, summer program at the University of Connecticut for academically talented secondary students. This year, the program will run from July 13-31, 2009, with check-in and student orientation taking place July 12. It has been designed to provide you with opportunities to participate in creative projects and research investigations under the supervision of university mentors. These mentors will work directly with you and other high school students from across the state and the country on projects in your common areas of interest.
 The mission of the program is reflected in four goals:
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"...I was able to gain first-hand experience in a groundbreaking area of research..."
What Is Conn Mentor Connection?
 It is a community of scholars of all ages working together on important problems that are on the cutting edge of various fields of study in the arts and sciences. It is challenging and motivational because participants are involved in research or creative projects currently taking place at the university.
The faculty will be some of the most accomplished and interesting people you will ever meet. They bring with them dynamic teams of graduate students and research assistants. UConn Mentor Connection will be more demanding, more intensive, and more rewarding than anything else you have ever experienced. |
What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
Each day you will spend 6-8 hours at your chosen mentorship site, working with your mentor, other researchers, and fellow Mentor Connection participants. A typical day may also offer special topics presentations covering issues such as SAT preparation, navigating the college admissions and financial aid processes, and career planning. Each evening you may choose to participate in one of a variety of planned activities. Or, you may spend time working on your project for your site.
Please note that most sites host a small group of students, but there may be some that host only one. Please contact us if you would like to know how many other students may be in a particular site with you.
On each of the two Saturdays, staff and students will depart campus for a fun, get-away day. Sundays are devoted to much needed down time, relaxation, and time to work on your site project. Family members may visit you on Sundays as well.
You will get a taste of some of the experiences of a college student as you take responsibility for getting yourself to your site and all required activities prepared and on time. You will live in a dormitory, eat in a dining hall, and walk to and from your site, meals, and other activities. In addition to having a site mentor, you will also be assigned to a program counselor who will meet with your site group daily and help you to navigate the overall experience.
What Will I Get Out of the Program?
As a participant in UConn Mentor Connection, you will:
- Take on the role of the practicing professional.
- Experience real-world research.
- Challenge and feed your creative abilities.
- Develop a collaborative relationship with a researcher in your area of interest.
- Enhance your awareness of your talent areas and career opportunities.
- Interact with students who share common interests.
- Experience college life and the nature of research in your selected field.
- Have an opportunity to present your research to your peers and mentor(s).
- Potentially earn University of Connecticut credit, providing specific requirements are met.
 "...I feel that the major benefits of Mentor Connection were the excellent, hands-on experience that I got in the lab, the vast knowledge that I gained from my site, the opportunity to interact with other cultures, and the feeling of actually being in college..." |
"...This was an amazing chance to meet new people and friends. The students who attend this program are talented individuals from all walks of life. You will be exposed to new cultures and opinions..."
Who Should Apply to the Program? We welcome applications from a wide variety of students. Motivated, creative, resourceful, enthusiastic, inquisitive, and academically inclined—these are only a few of the adjectives that describe our participants. If you are eager to engage in exciting challenges, learn how to conduct in-depth investigations in your area of interest, sustain a long-term commitment, and meet new people, you are a candidate for UConn Mentor Connection. MINIMUM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
-ranked in the top 25% of your class
-minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher on an unweighted 4.0 scale
-full completion of application materials
Applications are reviewed by the admissions team for program eligibility and for optimal match between students and selected sites. PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU MUST BE A CURRENT SOPHOMORE OR JOUNIOR IN ORDER TO APPLY.
What Must I Do to Apply?
Applications must be postmarked by April 24th and are evaluated by a team of educators who closely examine materials to determine a student's compatibility for the intended site, as well as the program as a whole. A complete application package includes the following:
- A completed, signed application form.
- Please include a photo of yourself. This is helpful to us, though not mandatory.
- A photocopy of your most recent high school transcript.
- Completed recommendation forms from two teachers or counselors.
- Three Essays.
- Students are also encouraged to submit PSAT or SAT scores.
Where Will I Live?
 You will live in a residence hall on the University of Connecticut campus. You will be housed in a suite with 2-3 other students, sharing a bathroom. Additionally, you will be provided with 3 meals a day that you will choose from menu selections at a dining hall on campus.
"...I have made many new friends..." |
How Much Does the Program Cost?
Tuition: $3,100.00 (Due Monday, June 29th, 2009) Please make check payable to University of Connecticut
The tuition charge of $3,100.00 covers the complete housing package in a University of Connecticut residence hall for 19 nights as well as a full meal plan. This amount also includes participation in field trips, film festivals, recreational activities, social activities, and special events. The cost does not include transportation to or from the University of Connecticut.
Three University of Connecticut credits will be available to participants as an option in most sites, provided that students meet specific requirements. Guidelines for earned credit will be available from program staff, and credit is granted at the discretion of mentors and program staff.
"...UConn Mentor Connection awaits you. More importantly, your future awaits you. Get an edge on destiny through this incredible summer experience..."
How Do I Apply?
Please contact:
Heather L. SpottiswoodeUConn Mentor Connection
University of Connecticut
2131 Hillside Road Unit 3007
Storrs, CT 06269-3007
(860) 486-0283
Heather L. Spottiswoode to receive a brochure.
