Outreach & Mentorship
Outreach and mentorship are vital to increase recruitment and retention of Black folks in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), including in neuro-related fields. Often, STEM outreach and mentorship initiatives are not led by people who share our experiences, and are therefore not tailored to our realities.
That’s why we’ve curated a list of Black-led outreach and mentorship initiatives relevant to neuro-related fields. We want to amplify the great work they’re doing, and encourage and inspire you to get involved. Many of these founders are also #BlackInNeuro. We’ve also compiled some research articles that suggest best practices, so that every outreach and mentorship initiative can learn to become a welcoming and supportive space for Black youth, students and scholars.
This is a living document; if there are any organizations or individuals you think we should highlight, please get in touch!
An illustration of a person talking about brains online is accompanied by the text: “Outreach is about reaching out and bringing your science to members of the public. It can take on a variety of forms, such as podcasts, YouTube videos, public lectures, or school visits.
OUTREACH +
Global
International Youth Neuroscience Association
This international, youth-led non-profit organization aims to inspire the next generation of neuroscientists. Initiatives include an introductory neuroscience course for high schoolers, a youth neuroscience journal, local chapters and a mentorship program.
Website / Twitter / Instagram / Facebook
Canada
Broad Science
This podcast, hosted by Rackeb Tesfaye and Alyssa Favreau, makes science more inclusive, engaging and intersectional by highlighting the stories, voices and perspectives of those who are often overlooked in science. They also host STEM storytelling nights and science communication workshops for youth.
Podcast / Website / Twitter / Facebook
Visions of Science
This charitable organization engages youth from low-income and marginalized communities in STEM through workshops, experiential learning, mentorship and curriculum development.
Website / Twitter / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube
Ghana
West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) Senior High School Outreach Project
Each year, WACCBIP showcases research activities, equipment and experiments at under-resourced high schools across Ghana. Scientists engage high schoolers though activities like workshops, storytelling and hands-on training with science equipment.
United Kingdom
Elite Scientists
This after school club provides high school students with an introduction to neuroscience at Imperial College London and opportunities to present their research at the GreatExhibitionRoad Festival.
Her Royal Science
This podcast, hosted by Dr. Asma Bashir, features underrepresented folks in STEM.
Podcast / Website / Twitter / Instagram
Science Uncovered
This YouTube channel, hosted by Dr. Esther Odekunle, highlights scientists from underrepresented groups.
United States
Black Girls Code
This organization empowers Black girls aged 7 to 17 though hands-on computer science and technology workshops, summer camps and hackathons. These skills are increasingly crucial in STEM, especially neuro.
Black Girls Do STEM
This organization exposes middle school-aged Black girls to different careers in STEM through hands-on workshops and mentorship.
Hip Hop Stroke
This evidence-based interactive health education program teaches students in 4th and 5th grade about stroke.
Jordan Harrod
Jordan Harrod’s YouTube channel covers artificial intelligence and its intersections with medicine, ethics and policy.
getSTEM
This YouTube channel, hosted by Gwenaëlle Thomas, helps people understand current events, controversies, advances, and limitations in STEM through short videos that use real life examples and pop culture moments.
An illustration of two people connecting online, accompanied by the text: “Mentorship is a relationship in which a person shares their knowledge with a less experienced person. In STEM and neuro-related fields, mentors can help you navigate your academic and professional career by sharing what they’ve learnt along the way. Often, you’ll need many mentors to support you in different ways.
MENTORSHIP +
High School Students
International Youth Neuroscience Association
This international, youth-led non-profit organization aims to inspire the next generation of neuroscientists. Initiatives include an introductory neuroscience course for high schoolers, a youth neuroscience journal, local chapters and a mentorship program.
Website / Twitter / Instagram / Facebook
Young, Gifted and STEM
This UK-based organization was founded to increase engagement of Black and ethnic minority (BME) youth in STEM. This is done through providing them with resources to develop their STEM skills, and facilitating connections with STEM professionals.
University Students
Just Tryna’ Graduate
This online community aims to help Black students get through graduate school. This is a space to share experiences and advice.
M.U.S.E. Mentorship
Founded by Mélise Edwards, this US-based organization connects underrepresented students and mentors in STEM, who can help them navigate higher education, from the undergraduate to the graduate level.
Website / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube
Science Sistas
This US-based non-profit provides resources for reducing barriers for Black women entering graduate biomedical and medical professional programs, including career exploration tools, tips and scholarships.
Success Looks Like You (SLLY)
This UK-based organization connects Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) youth with career exploration resources and mentorship opportunities.
UCLA-HBCU Neuroscience Pathways Summer Program
This 8-week summer program is for undergraduate students attending historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) who are interested in neuroscience. Mentorship opportunities will be facilitated in host labs at UCLA Brain Research Institute.
Visibility STEM Africa
Co-founded by Natashia Mudiwa Muwanigwa, his organization highlights and creates networking and mentorship opportunities for Africans in STEM. This includes resources on scholarships and applications.
Website / Twitter / Instagram / Facebook
Graduate Researchers & Post-Graduate Professionals
Black in AI
This community creates space for discussion and collaboration between Black folks in artificial intelligence (AI). This includes workshops and mentorship programs.
Society for Black Neurologists
This online community fosters discussions and mentorship opportunities for Black neurologists.
Society for Black Neuropsychology
This online community promotes the discipline of neuropsychology for Black populations.
Society for Neuroscience Africa
This non-profit organization and professional society promotes research, teaching and advocacy for African neuroscientists.
Website / Twitter / YouTube/ Facebook
Spark Society
This non-profit connects and empowers cognitive scientists of color. It also creates mentorship opportunities for early career cognitive psychologists of color.
An illustration of a written document is accompanied by the text: “Evidence-based best practices can help you learn how to better support Black communities and mentees. We have curated some resources to get you started.”
BEST PRACTICES +
References + some visual summaries go here