One particularly inspiring mentoring story comes from our ListoAmerica Clubhouse in southern California. Diana was a youth member who is the daughter of undocumented Mexican immigrant parents. She grew up in a low socio-economic household where transportation challenges made it difficult for her to get to the Clubhouse.
Despite these obstacles, her determination and interest in attending led to an offer from the Clubhouse for transportation assistance, so she could keep returning to the supportive community of mentors and fun STEM activities.
Diana’s active participation led to one of her mentors recommending her to participate in the Clubhouse Regional Teen Summit at Disney’s Imagination Campus, which was a transformative experience for her. As someone who had never been to Disneyland before, Diana was awestruck by the chance to learn from Disney Imagineers about storytelling, creativity, technology, and how it all fits into STEM careers. She shared with her mentors how her experience opened her eyes to the vast possibilities in STEM fields that she didn’t realize existed. She was in awe of how people can earn a living using technology similar to what she was learning at the Clubhouse.
This realization helped her feel like she belonged in careers she had previously thought were out of her reach. Diana solidified her decision to pursue a future in STEM. This past fall, she began her college journey at the University of California, Riverside, where she is now studying Bio-Technology. Her Clubhouse mentors gave her the confidence to apply, and led to her choice of a STEM program.
Even after graduating, Diana remains active in Clubhouse events, serving as a peer mentor and role model for younger members. She will soon be a new IMPACTS program mentor recruit, as her college academic schedule allows.
Guide for Mentors on Career Readiness
This comprehensive guide provides mentors with strategies to support members using the Career Readiness Framework.
This framework consists of three key focus areas: Identity & Community, STEM Skills, and Life Design.
Each focus area aims to develop essential skills and qualities to help members thrive in STEM careers and beyond.
The guide offers detailed explanations, practical tips, and sample activities for mentors to effectively implement the framework. Check it out here: https://theclubhousenetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Guide-For-Mentors-On-The-Career-ReadinessFramework.pdf