Are you passionate about mentorship and motivated to make a real impact in the Durham community while gaining hands-on experience? Join our 2025-26 Bass Connections team, Enhancing diversity in STEM careers through mentored training. We are still accepting applications on a rolling basis. 

Our project focuses on giving back to our local community by mentoring high school students from Durham Public Schools (DPS) and helping them explore the world of environmental science and health. Our Bass team runs the Health and Environment Scholars Program (HESP), which is a year-long program where high school students receive career and college readiness training, explore local experiential education opportunities designed by our team, and participate in an end-of-year hackathon challenge.

As part of our program, you’ll get hands-on experience in curriculum design, mentoring, and community-based research, all while supporting DPS students on their journey toward higher education and STEM careers. It’s a chance to gain skills, build connections, and help make STEM more inclusive for everyone. You will have the opportunity to lead the program (and this is also a great resume builder!). As part of our Bass Connections team, you will receive course credit for the fall and spring semesters. Additionally, we have opportunities for paid summer work. 

If you are interested in joining our team, please apply here

Feel free to reach out to Emma Schmaltz (emma.schmaltz@duke.edu) with any questions.