Mentoring the United States Chemistry Olympiad Team: Professional development for high school and college faculty | Poster Board #108

The United States National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO) Program is a three-stage competition for high school students culminating with the selection of four representatives to compete at the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO). College and high school faculty serve as mentors for the USNCO Study Camp and IChO, and these experiences offer valuable professional development. The USNCO competition begins at the local level with exams administered by ACS Local Sections. In the second round, the top-scoring students at each school are selected to take the National Exam. The 20 highest-scoring students are invited to the intensive USNCO Study Camp where four Team USA members are ultimately chosen for the IChO. During the two-week Study Camp, campers receive comprehensive training in both theory and laboratory skills that cover all areas of chemistry.
The mentor team, consisting of four high school and college faculty from across the United States, are selected through an application and interview process. Mentors collaboratively plan all aspects of the study camp curriculum from lectures to labs, invited speakers, assessments, and social activities. In addition, mentors experience professional growth with the opportunity to broaden their knowledge in all areas of chemistry as they prepare curricula for the study camp. The instruction at camp is based on the topics outlined in the preparatory problems provided by the IChO host country. At the IChO, mentors serve on the International Jury and collaborate with delegations representing countries from around the globe. This experience provides mentors an opportunity to network with peers from other countries. These interactions are both social and professional and provide insight into other educational systems and cultures. This presentation will provide an overview of the mentor experience highlighting the opportunities for professional development through collaboration, curriculum development, and international networking.