You can make a difference by being a mentor! Contact Christine Skaggs if interested at clskaggs1994@yahoo.com.
Background: Christine Skaggs, a graduate student at IUPUI, has been trying to encourage fellow students to become ACS members. The biggest problem, according to Christine, is that most students are not aware of ACS benefits. She also observed a desire for students to have a connection to industry chemists as well as academia. To pair up these two needs, we applied for and were awarded a mini grant ($500) from the Senior Chemists Committee for a mentorship program. Our initial focus was with IUPUI and since this has been successful, we are expanding to other schools. Both student and mentor should be ACS members and will fill out questionnaires to help facilitate a match. Once paired up, an initial introductory meeting will be set up by the organizing committee. Both parties will sign an agreement and meetings will be virtual at the beginning due to Covid-19. The advantage is that you do not have to be located close to your mentee to participate! At the end of the program, you will be asked to fill out a follow up survey to enhance the experience for future mentor-mentee relationships.
Are you wanting to give back to your community, but are unsure how due to social distancing? Look no further!
The Indiana Section is working diligently to serve our underrepresented populations by preparing Covid-19 Chemistry Kits for Kids! We plan to educate children in our underserved community about COVID-19 by preparing and providing kits that includes many items to teach them about the virus, how soap works, the benefits of hand sanitizer, a kid-sized mask and how it protects you and others, and many other fun ways for them to learn about how chemistry can help protect them from the virus. This event offers a unique opportunity to keep our ACS Indiana section members active in our community during a pandemic while helping underserved children and sparking their interest in Chemistry.
If you or your company are interested in donating time or supplies please contact Christine Skaggs about how you can give back during the pandemic.
