Mentoring Con GANAS
What is Mentoring con GANAS?
Mentoring con GANAS is one of the many ways Latinx students can get connected and supported at UIC. Through our peer mentoring program, first-year and transfer Latinx students are paired with advanced Latinx UIC undergraduates before the start of the academic year making Mentoring con GANAS the first opportunity for you to get involved with other Latinx students here at UIC.
Become a Mentee
- Incoming Latinx student majoring (or intending to major) in Biological Sciences
- Biochemistry
- Biological Sciences
- Neuroscience
- Chemistry
- Or a related field
Become a Mentor
- If you are a UIC undergraduate student who is
- A sophomore or above
- Majoring in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Chemistry, or a related field
- Maintaining a GPA of 2.5 or higher
How does Mentoring con GANAS work?
What to Expect as Mentees:
- Work with one advanced Latinx undergraduate majoring in the same or similar major as you and learn from their experience.
- Participate on social and academic events with other mentees and mentors
- Have the opportunity to make new friends and be part of a caring community from day one
What to Expect as Mentor:
- Work with one incoming Latinx student during their first year at UIC.
- Have the opportunity to share experiences, answer questions, share information about our university and community resources, give feedback and, most important, share your secret to success.
- Develop academic, social and professional skills while helping others and making new friends.
The Mentoring con GANAS Experience
- Incoming Latinx students are matched to advanced undergraduate Latinx students before the beginning of the academic year.
- Students are matched within same/similar fields.
- A mentee is paired to one mentor.
- Mentors provide support to one incoming student.
- Mentors and mentees participate on training sessions.
- Mentors and mentees meet in person before class starts.
- Mentors interact with mentees at least twice per month to discuss goals, classes and provide guidance on resources located on campus.
- Mentors and mentees participate in L@S GANAS social gatherings during the academic year.
Apply to be a Mentee
Apply to be a Mentor
Hear From Students
How has Mentoring Con GANAS helped you as a mentor?
“Being a mentor has strengthened my leadership and communication skills while empowering students in STEM. Guiding mentees through their journeys has deepened my passion for mentorship and resilience. It has also allowed me to create a welcoming space for underrepresented students, helping them navigate challenges and achieve their goals.”
How has Mentoring Con GANAS helped you as a mentor?
“MCG has helped me make new friends and really taught me the importance of building meaningful connections with others. Whether it’s forming friendships or reaching out for support through tutoring and advising, being part of MCG has shown me how valuable it is to use the resources around me. It’s helped me grow not just as a student, but as a person”
Why did you want to participate in Mentoring Con GANAS?
“I decided to join MCG because, as an incoming freshman pre-med student, I felt lost navigating college life with no connections. It was the first organization I joined, and it quickly became a source of guidance, support, and community. My first year, I was a mentee, and the experience was so impactful that I knew I wanted to give back. For the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of being a mentor, helping other students find their footing just as I once did.”