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CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE UIC POLICY MAP
Mentorship & Training
Mentorship & Training
At UIC, mentorship and training are pathways to restoring Indigenous visibility, sovereignty, and self-determination. Through our programs, we cultivate Indigenous and allied leaders in health, wellness, and community care.
UIC’s mentorship and training opportunities include:
- Indigenous Scholars Mentorship Program (ISMP) – a seasonal, paid mentorship for Indigenous college students
- NextGen Clinical Training Program – a clinical practicum and training site for Indigenous MSW students
- Internships & Field Placements – community-based learning experiences for Indigenous and allied students
Each program reflects UIC’s values of kinship, reciprocity, and balance, supporting growth that is rooted in relationship, community, and cultural humility. Together, they form a continuum of workforce development that prepares Indigenous people to lead in education, behavioral health, advocacy, and community care.
Indigenous Scholars Mentorship Program (ISMP)
INDIGENOUS SCHOLARS MENTORSHIP PROGRAM (ISMP)
The Indigenous Scholars Mentorship Program (ISMP) is a 12-week compensated mentorship initiative designed to support Indigenous college and university students (ages 18–24) across Lenapehoking (NYC, NJ, CT).
The program builds culturally grounded professional skills, fosters belonging, and empowers Indigenous scholars to thrive in higher education and community leadership.
Program Highlights
Program Highlights
Program Highlights
- Weekly group mentorship sessions & 1:1 check-ins
- Guest speakers & Indigenous professionals
- Capstone reflection project and closing celebration
- Participants commit 8-10 hours per week and receive a stipend to support their work and weekly meals.
Eligibility
Program Highlights
Program Highlights
- Self-identifying Indigenous
- Ages 18–24
- Enrolled in a college, university, or trade school in the tri-state area
NextGen Clinical Training Program
NEXTGEN CLINICAL TRAINING PROGRAM
The NextGen Clinical Training Program prepares Indigenous MSW students to become culturally grounded, trauma-informed therapists serving Urban Indigenous communities in Lenapehoking.
This Indigenous-led program offers a field placement site where students can integrate traditional healing practices with Western clinical approaches in a supportive, culturally affirming environment.
Program Highlights
Program Highlights
Program Highlights
- Supervision by Indigenous clinicians and cultural mentors
- Direct client experience in individual, family, and group therapy
- Monthly talking circles and land-based healing opportunities
- Professional development seminars with Indigenous mental health leaders
- Partnerships with the Columbia School of Social Work and other MSW programs
Eligibility
Program Highlights
Program Highlights
- Indigenous MSW students enrolled in a clinical program
- Located in the tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT)
- Committed to cultural humility and community-based practice
Internships & Field Placements
INTERNSHIPS & FIELD PLACEMENTS
UIC’s Internship Program offers Indigenous and allied students hands-on experience in community health, advocacy, research, and cultural programming. These non-clinical internships build professional skills while supporting UIC’s mission to advance Indigenous wellness and sovereignty in urban settings.
These non-clinical internships build professional skills while supporting UIC’s mission to advance Indigenous wellness and sovereignty in urban settings.
Social work students seeking clinical experience should apply through the Training Program.
Areas of Focus
Areas of Focus
Areas of Focus
- Nonprofit administration
- Community programming and event coordination
- Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) and evaluation
- Communications and digital storytelling
- Advocacy and outreach initiatives
Requirements
Areas of Focus
Areas of Focus
- Undergraduate or graduate student (or recent graduate)
- 8–12 hours per week
- Completion of Volunteer & Intern Training
- Commitment to UIC’s values of kinship, reciprocity, and cultural humility
Indigipride 2026: Ballroom Pow Wow
This Pride season, we center the brilliance, survival, and futurity of Two-Spirit, Queer, and Trans Indigenous people.
From powwow circles to ballroom runways, INDIGIPRIDE 2026: Ballroom Pow Wow brings together Indigenous tradition and Ballroom culture in a shared practice of resistance, joy, and collective care. We honor the ancestors who danced before us, the Houses and communities that built refuge and family in hostile cities, and the culture bearers who continue to move us forward, fierce, unapologetic, and alive.