Thank you for your interest in the 2025-2026 National History Day in Minnesota Mentor Program, we are still accepting applications at this time.
Returning mentors do not need to complete this application. Please email Natalie (natalie.polaschek@mnhs.org).
The History Day mentor program serves schools statewide. These include rural areas, and urban, highly-diverse schools. Students will be highly diverse and with varying socioeconomic statuses. Mentors are placed into area classrooms to assist students and teachers with their projects and the historical inquiry process. Prior knowledge of History Day is not required.
Applicants
All undergraduate students, or those within one year of graduation, are welcome to apply. Students of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences are encouraged to apply.
Applications will be reviewed by the selection committee who will contact candidates for interviews towards the beginning of October. History Day mentors are chosen based on a variety of skills and experiences.
History Day Mentor Internship Requirements
Completing this internship will include several components throughout the year but generally includes the following parts. The first training will include more detailed documentation of these expectations.- Administration: Completing required documents related to the internship, including W9 information, background checks, submitting hours, etc.
- Outreach Hours: Complete assigned hours of classroom outreach.
- Training and Attendance: Participate in several in-person and virtual training opportunities throughout the internship. First required training is on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
- Reflective Essay: All interns must complete a brief reflection paper on their experience and submit it by the end of the day on Friday, April 24. Essays should be no more than three pages and address a series of questions.
Timeline and Payment
- Begins late October and goes through the end of April.
- $16/hour, up to $148 in transportation reimbursements. Payments will be made three times throughout the course of the program.
- Twin Cities-area: 100 hours of mentoring.
- Greater Minnesota: 50 hours of mentoring.
College Credit
This internship experience may be eligible for college credit. Check with your university about internship credit opportunities and let us know if you have questions about eligibility.
- The University of Minnesota - Twin Cities will offer a one-credit internship credit for Spring 2026, HIST 4896.
Questions
If you have any questions please reach out to
Natalie (natalie.polashek@mnhs.org).
