We are excited to announce the AWIS-PHL 2026-2027 Mentoring Circle Program! AWIS-PHL’s Mentoring Circle Program is a popular program where junior scientists in the Philadelphia area meet once a month with mentors and discuss issues in both career and life. It is also a great opportunity to network with area scientists and meet members of AWIS-PHL. 

To apply as a MENTEE, please fill out the linked application. Registration will open on Monday September 14, 2026, at 8 am. Spaces are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Use the link below to access the registration form. You will be asked to indicate your top TWO choices. Once you are placed into a circle, you will receive an email indicating which circle you were placed in and the next steps to complete the process including a link to pay the required $15 fee. If the circles of your choice have been filled, we will place you on the waitlist and also give you the option to choose a different circle with an availabe slot.

Application link: https://forms.gle/nypzBwEwypFUvwfJ9

Please also save the date for the Kick-Off event of Thursday October 15, 2026, for all registered mentees. 

We are offering 8 circles this year and, as stated above, our application asks for your top two preferences. Please note the general timeframe for afternoon meetings is noon-4 pm, and for evening meetings is from ~5pm-8pm, with most Circles meeting for about 1-1.5 hours. The specific meeting locations for in-person circles within the general geographical areas will be determined by individual circle members. The circles are organized as follows: 

Monday Evening Univ City: Location will be University City/CHOP area

Monday Evening Suburb: Location will be in the Philly suburbs, King of Prussia area 

Wednesday Afternoon Virtual: This circle will meet online only

Wednesday Evening Virtual: This circle will meet online only

Wednesday Evening Univ City: Location will be in the University City/CHOP area

Wednesday Evening Arcadia Univ.: Location will be at Arcadia University in Glenside, PA

Thursday Evening Center City: Location will be in Center City/Old City/Fairmount

Thursday Evening NW Philly: Location will be NW Philadelphia

Mentor bios are available here to help you choose your mentoring circle. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us through mentoring@awisphl.org.

*This year, the AWIS-PHL Board would like to extend a special offer to graduate students and postdoc participants. For participants who are interested in continuing as AWIS-PHL members following completion of the Mentoring Program cycle: your $15 registration fee can be put towards a 1-year Chapter membership (full fee $35), with the AWIS-PHL Board covering the remaining $20. This opportunity provides access to various AWIS resources including special programming events, the AWIS National magazine, and the Chapter membership directory to facilitate networking.

Thank you again for applying for this great program. Hope to see you again soon in a circle!