FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions we've received from prospective mentees

1. Do mentees need to have lab experience?

No. Mentees do not need to have any previous lab experience -- in fact, this program was created precisely for students in STEM who lack formal hands on lab or research experience!

2. Are international students able to participate?

Yes, if they meet certain requirements. Caltech Connection students are paid a small amount for participation, which is categorized as wages. Because of this, Caltech requires that students are U.S. citizens, or students must have work authorization setup through their home institution. Please discuss with your college prior to applying! We will not be able to allow students to participate who do not have this setup.

3. Are minors able to participate?

Unfortunately, no. Students must be 18 by November 1, 2026.

4. Will I get matched with a mentor in my specific field of interest?

Maybe. Our mentors are volunteers, and the pool of mentors changes year to year. Our mentors represent most major disciplines at Caltech, including: engineering, chemistry, biology, physics, astronomy, geology, and neuroscience.

Each year we get a large number of mentee applications from students in computer science. We may have a few mentors in computer science, but this is not guaranteed.

5. What happens if I'm matched with a mentor whose research is outside my field(s) of study?

The purpose of Caltech Connection is to learn or build on fundamental skills that will help students succeed in their STEM academic journey. Our mentors guide students through activities like scientific literature review, meta-analysis, and some computational work. Students are encouraged to keep an open mind and learn some about their mentor's field.

6. Will I work in a lab at Caltech?

Maybe! This depends entirely on the progress you and your mentor make. The first part of the program is mainly literature review and understanding more about your mentor's research area. If your mentor is able to have you shadow them in their lab, you can start there. Mentees are required to complete all Caltech and lab-specific safety training in order to gain lab access. Please discuss the possibility of lab work with your mentor and make sure you're on the same page.

Note: Caltech Connection does not have funding for miscellaneous materials and supplies related to lab work or a research project.

7. How often will I meet with my mentor?

It is up to you and your mentor to decide a meetup schedule. The program requirement is to meet at least biweekly (every two weeks). This can take place via Zoom or in person, depending on both person's ability.

It's important to decide on a schedule that both people can commit to, but if availability changes, just let your mentor know and work out a new schedule.

8. What will be my status at Caltech?

Caltech Connection mentees have formal appointments as Visitors. They receive a unique ID number and will have access to some Caltech-owned software resources, i.e. AutoCAD, SolidWorks, MatLab.

9. Is there a final report or any other requirement for Caltech Connection?

There are no reports or tests involved in Caltech Connection. Mentees are required to continue to meet and work with their mentor throughout the entire program (November - May), and at the end of the program mentees prepare a science poster and present what they've worked on at our end-of-program event. This poster session is casual, and it's a fantastic way for students to practice science communication and share out what they've learned.

10. How do I apply?

The formal application will go live on September 14, 2026. Please check back on our website for the link. The application will close on September 28, 2026 at 11:59 pm PT.

We highly encourage you to submit the Interest Form (the form will close on September 11). Those who fill it out will receive details about the Information Session with Scott, which is set for September 17 at 2 pm. We encourage you to attend the session and learn more about Caltech Connection and ask questions. It will be recorded and emailed to those who signed up but could not attend the live session.

Caltech Connection applicants will receive an email notifying them if they were selected for this year's cohort around the first or second week in October.