The NW Native American Research Center for Health is committed to maintaining an extensive network of AI/AN mentors who can support trainees at various stages of their education or career. Access to Native mentors is an essential component to increasing Native representation in health research and improving the health of Native communities.
From high school to post-graduate school, individuals can give back or receive support from Native peers or experienced researchers who are dedicated to developing future generations of Native health researchers. Opportunities exist for peer mentors, near-peer mentors, and experienced academic mentors.
Peer mentoring is a mutually supportive relationship between people of similar career or educational stage. Near-peer mentoring is a supportive relationship where one person is just slightly farther along in their education or career development. Both types of mentoring can provide a psychologically safe and supportive experience where participants feel inspired and share advice.
NW NARCH seeks currently enrolled AI/AN college or graduate students who are focusing on the biomedical/social sciences to serve as peer and near-peer mentors for NARCH trainees. Our goal is to cultivate sustainable mentor relationships and opportunities for Native students interested in pursuing higher education in the sciences & research.
We are seeking to add to our network of experienced academic researchers who will support NARCH trainees. Mentors should be affiliated with a tribe or have a demonstrated commitment to improving Native health.
If you are interested in connecting with one of our listed mentors, send us an email. If you aren’t sure which mentor might be the best fit or you’re unsure what you need, we can help.  Please share some basic information about yourself and a NW NARCH team member will get in touch with you.