At UMBC, students are afforded this opportunity early on in their academic careers, even as freshmen and sophomores. Many times a student participating in an on-campus internship will continue working in the laboratory during the academic year and long after the summer internship has been completed. A mentor is paired with each Scholar. The mentoring program enables a Meyerhoff Scholar to have ongoing contact with a scientist or practicing professional in the student's area of interest.
Mentors serve as role models, offering advice and direction.