45+
Students per year
50+
Career fields
100%
Project completion rate
A hands-on program where students explore real career fields, work on a meaningful project, and develop professional skills before college.
Independent
Study
Mentorship
What is ISM?
The Independent Study Mentorship (ISM) program is a year-long, advanced academic course designed for motivated high school students ready to explore a specific career field in depth.
Students research and work alongside a mentor, and ultimately produce an original research product that reflects real-world professional work.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
04
Final
Presentation
Showcase your mentorship journey alongside a final product in an end of year presentation.
03
Work with
Mentor
Partner with an industry professional for hands‑on support and real‑world perspective.
02
Define Focus
Area
Narrow your research into a specific topic that excites you and has room for original contribution.
01
Explore Career Field
Research and identify a career field of interest.
How ISM Works
THE PROCESS
Hands-on experience — Create a project that mirrors professional standards in your chosen field
Professional mentorship — Learn directly from an experienced expert who guides your growth
Confidence and independence — Develop self-direction skills that carry far beyond high school
Career exploration — Discover what a career truly feels like before committing to a college major
College readiness — Build a well-rounded resume and sharpen your research and presentation skills
Why Students Choose ISM
WHY ISM
And Many More…
EXPLORE AREAS
Student Experience Area Examples
Students can pursue projects across virtually every professional field imaginable.
Media & Marketing
Journalism, content strategy, advertising, public relations, and brand development.
Education
Curriculum development, educational policy, school administration, and learning research.
Engineering
Civil, mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering across diverse industries.
Design & Technology
Web design, computer science, cybersecurity, and digital product development.
Business & Entrepreneurship
Startups, business development, marketing strategy, finance, operations, and insurance.
Healthcare
Public health, dentistry, nursing, internal medicine, and health administration.
You want to network and build meaningful relationships
You're curious about a specific career or field
You want to stand out when applying to college
You can commit to a rigorous, year-long project
You're ready to take ownership of your own learning
Is ISM Right for You?
WHY ISM
Ready to explore your future career?
Take the first step toward a year-long journey of discovery, mentorship, and professional growth!
© 2026 Independent Study Mentorship Program. All rights reserved.
A student-driven program that helps students explore career interests through research, mentorship, and real-world learning.
Louis D. Brandeis High School
Northside Independent School District