This summer, NASW is again offering its virtual summer mentoring program for graduate and undergraduate students, which will run from June 3 to July 29. The program is named for longtime science writer and past NASW president David Perlman, who died in 2020 at the age of 101, three years after retiring from the San Francisco Chronicle. David was a mentor to countless members of the science writing community and always made time for kind and supportive words, especially for early career writers.
Student registration is open now through May 1. Students who have demonstrated a serious interest in science writing will be paired with mentors and have the opportunity to publish a short science news story or broadcast piece in the NASW Student Newsroom or other media outlet. Recent graduates (within the last year) are also welcome to participate in the program. Students are not required to write a story to participate in the program.
In previous years, students produced stories on various topics, from the relationship between menopause and Alzheimer’s to AI modeling used for identifying heat-tolerant corals. In addition to the NASW Student Newsroom, several students had their work published in major news outlets, including Eos, Sky & Telescope and The Xylom.
This program is not possible without the volunteers who graciously share their time. Register to mentor a science writing student or recent graduate through May 1.
Overview and expectations
During registration, students will specify whether they wish to work with a mentor on writing a story for publication or simply meet with a mentor for conversation and advice.
Those wishing to write a story should submit up to three ideas to discuss when they meet with their mentors, such as a certain topic, a recent study, or even a news event. This will help us match students with the right mentor, as well as give the pairs a solid starting point in the program. The final deadline for the story will be July 29.
Those who want to be paired with a mentor for conversation and advice should expect to spend at least four hours over the summer meeting with their mentor. Mentors and mentees can discuss individual expectations during the kickoff meeting.
Students and mentors, learn more about what is expected of you in the program guide at nasw.org/perlman, which includes the writing assignment details, a weekly guide of suggested topics for mentoring, and other helpful resources to get the most out of this program.
Students: Register here no later than 11:59 p.m. Pacific, Friday, May 1, 2026.
To be eligible for the program, all students must be members of NASW or visit nasw.org/join to submit a full, paid application by May 1. We have a special introductory rate for new members. Contact the NASW Education Committee at education@nasw.org if you have questions or the membership fee presents a financial barrier.
Science writing mentors from all career backgrounds are welcome and encouraged. We will pair mentors with students and recent graduates based on career goals, science interests, and experience level. Mentors who have signed up to edit a student story will be responsible for submitting the final draft by July 29. Volunteers are required to be NASW members.
Save these dates
Mentoring workshop — Wednesday, May 27, at 1 p.m. Eastern: Before the summer program begins, mentors will meet for a guided discussion where they will have the opportunity to share mentoring advice or ask questions about the expectations of the program.
Kickoff event — Wednesday, June 3, at 1 p.m. Eastern: All students and mentors are expected to attend this initial program session. Students and mentors will meet virtually for this one-hour event, which will include a special presentation by invited speakers as well as the chance for mentors and mentees to meet one-on-one. Mentors and students will then exchange contact information and plan for future meetings and communication over the summer.
Please review the NASW guidelines for online meetings. If you are unable to attend this event, please contact us at education@nasw.org.
