Applications Open for the 2026 STEP.up Mentoring Program for Health Research Professionals

Are you a U-M staff member who works on health-related research studies?

Are you interested in professional growth and development?

If so, consider applying to STEP.up, a formal mentorship program for research professionals. We are currently accepting applications from mentors and mentees for our 9^th cohort. Each year we accept a limited number of pairs to participate in the 9-month program. A major consideration for acceptance is whether we can make an appropriate match between a potential mentor and a mentee.

Mentors typically have at least 8 years of professional experience, a career-long pursuit of professional development, and a passion for coaching others. Mentees are self-starters and independent learners who envision a research career but are still in the early stages of their journey.

Program Details:

• 9-month program from September 2026 – June 2027
• Mentor training session
• Mentee training session
• Program Kick-off session for mentors and mentees
• Expected monthly time commitment for mentors and mentees is approximately 1 hour/month to meet, plus mentee time spent working towards a professional development goal
• Optional networking opportunities
• End-of-program Celebration to acknowledge everyone’s hard work and to network with peers