The mentor is not responsible for guiding the student throughout the development of the project, but should only be needed periodically for inputting their scientific expertise. The use of mentors is fundamental to this program. It is our objective to acquaint the students with the real world of science. In the real world, scientists work together in the completion of a problem or project. Often a group of scientists work on different parts of a problem and come together periodically to update each other and brainstorm about the problem.
Mentors can serve as role-models also.
As role models they can show high school students that science is a possible choice for them, that it is interesting, and that they can do it. Mentors can provide opportunities for the students to visit laboratories and other arenas where science is in progress. Through the use of mentors, students will be introduced to the scientific community. This will help them understand the function of such an organization, and help them identify and face barriers that might exist in problem solving. Mentoring is a very effective method of effecting change because it reaches across age, institutions, fields, gender, and generations.