Indigenous scholars mentorship program

ISMP is a compensated program that provides professional and material support (see details below), anchored in one-on-one and group weekly mentoring, guided by an Individualized Development Plan.

We do not expect prior expertise in applicants.

We are looking for those who may not have had other formal opportunities to build the skills offered in this program; this is a chance to work with UIC mentors to develop projects with room for self-direction and agency, and a time to develop and refine skills (see opportunities below for specifics).

These nonprofit-relevant skills are powerful tools for rebuilding Indigenous homelands, as well as revitalizing cultural spaces; this is for you, and for community. We are very excited to welcome our first cohort. 

It is designed for self-identifying Indigenous women and people of additional genders affected by misogyny, ages 18-24, who are enrolled in post-secondary education in the greater Lenapehoking (so-called tri-state: New York City, New Jersey, and Connecticut) area.

The 12-week hybrid program for a five-person cohort offers a space for Indigenous students to foster a sense of belonging and connectedness on college campuses—we seek to work against barriers in higher education by increasing Indigenous visibility and providing culturally relevant programming to our community.