Army Education Outreach Program (AEOP)
Near-Peer Mentor
DCTEE
1520 Freedman Drive, Suite 200
Fort Detrick, MD 21702
Phone: 301-619-9658
About the Near-Peer Mentors Program
Near-Peer Mentors are responsible for guiding middle school interns through science and engineering experiments. Responsibilities include supervising students, preparing lab materials, and guiding students through course material.
Individuals who are selected must be available to work the entire program. ALL training will take place at Hood College.
High School applicants may apply by sending an application and a letter of recommendation from your Principal or Guidance counselor.
College students may apply by sending an application and a letter of recommendation from an academic advisor.
2011 GEMS/YES Program:
June 13th - August 10th (8 weeks)
Near-Peer Mentor Hours:
Monday - Thursday, 8am-3pm
Friday - 9am-Noon
Who is eligible to apply?
Prospective Near-Peer Mentors must meet the following requirements to be eligible to apply:
- Graduating seniors in high school and college level students who have an interest in education and science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
- Applicants must be available the entire length of the program. No exceptions.
All applicants must submit the following documents to the Army Education Outreach Program (AEOP) coordinators by April 1, 2011, no exceptions:
- Completed application [PDF]
- Copy of applicant's most recent school transcripts
- A letter of recommendation which specifically references the applicant's ability to excel as a Near-Peer Mentor in the GEMS/YES program.
The interview and selection process
The following information outlines the interview process and the selection of qualified Near-Peer Mentors:
Round 1:
April 1, 2011 (close of business) will officially close the Near-Peer Mentor application process. No further documents or applicants will be accepted. No exceptions.
- All incomplete applicant packages will be discarded and applicant will be eliminated from remainder of interview process.
- AEOP staff will evaluate the candidates using evaluation sheet #1.
- Interviews will be scheduled for qualified applicants.
Round 2:
The selection panel will interview candidates.
- The selection panel will rate each candidate according to evaluation sheet #2.
- In the event of a tie, the Director of Human Resources, will review the evaluation sheets, applications, letters of recommendations, and transcripts and make a final determination.
Round 3:
AEOP staff will review score sheets and make a spreadsheet of the top Near-Peer Mentor selections according to Round 2 scoring. The selection panel will be notified of the top selected Near-Peer Mentors.
Round 4:
Contact will be made via telephone to all selected Near-Peer Mentors identified in Round 3 notifying these individuals of their acceptance. Non-selection letters will be mailed to individuals.
Key components to a successful interview:
- Speak clearly and enthusiastically
- Be positive
- Be prepared to market your skills and experiences as they relate to the job described
- Research information about the GEMS/YES program before the interview
- Arrive early for the interview
- Follow up the interview with a thank-you letter
