Honors Mentor Connection (HMC)
Touching the Future
Academic immersion in the professional environment
Honors Mentor Connection (HMC), a rigorous academic course offering by Intermediate District 287's Gifted Education Services, is an opportunity for talented high school students to participate in advanced study in an area of interest under the guidance of an eminent professional in the field. Students apply and register through their school districts; their HMC grade will appear on their regular school transcript.
Important benefits beyond academics
- HMC students develop an early professional reputation through a mutually beneficial mentor-protégé relationship, as they find ways in their day-to-day work at their mentorship sites to contribute to the mentor's goals.
- Each HMC student develops a professional-level project that has real-world application.
- HMC students build skills in the areas of professional development, personal development, and leadership.
- Seminars build skills in advanced research, technical reading, and professional readiness.
- A seminar speaking series features challenging speakers from the metropolitan-area professional and academic communities.
- Experiences build a network of professionals and leaders -- and peers who are emerging professionals and leaders.
Qualities of successful HMC student candidates
- Passionate interest in their subject area
- Capacity for advanced study through rigorous experiential learning
- Motivation to develop a professional project and a portfolio demonstrating academic potential
- Ethical standards and personal qualities that earn the respect and trust of colleagues
- Courage to take risks, the wisdom to seek guidance, and the desire to make the experience mutually beneficial
- Creative capacity for original thought and vision, for flexibility in new situations, and for making opportunities happen