If you are a plant scientist who cares about equity, inclusion, and transforming the academic mentoring culture in science — this is your opportunity. The SI-MI Facilitator Training Program (FTP) 2026, organized by Root & Shoot with support from the National Science Foundation, is now accepting applications. The deadline is May 8, 2026, and the training is completely free of charge.
This program is not just another professional development course. It is a carefully designed initiative aimed at preparing passionate scientists to become effective facilitators who can teach others how to become more socially conscious and culturally responsive mentors. If you have a background in plant science, a commitment to social justice, and want to actively improve the culture of mentoring in your field — this program was built for you.
🌍 Program Overview
| Detail | Information |
| 🌱 Program Name | SI-MI Facilitator Training Program (FTP) |
| 🏢 Organizer | Root & Shoot (NSF-funded) |
| 🌍 Mode | Fully Virtual (Zoom) |
| 💰 Cost | Free of Charge |
| 🎓 Target Audience | Plant Scientists (all career stages) |
| 📅 Training Dates | June 24 & June 30, 2026 |
| ⏰ Format | Two 4-hour half-day virtual sessions |
| 🗓️ Application Deadline | May 8, 2026 |
| 🔔 Notification | Week of May 20, 2026 |
🌍 What Is the SI-MI Program?
The SI-MI (Social Identity Matters In Mentoring) Program was developed by a cross-society group of plant scientists at all career stages, with expert guidance from CIMER and Movement Consulting. It addresses a critical need in science: helping mentors understand how social identity shapes mentoring relationships and academic experiences.
The program has two complementary components:
1. SI-MI Mentoring Course This is the learning experience for participants — the course content that gets taught. Topics include:
- Color-evasive practices in academia
- How to have impactful mentor-mentee conversations
- Moving from deficit-based thinking to an asset-based mindset
- Intersectionality and identity in scientific spaces
- Building greater cultural awareness
2. SI-MI Facilitator Training Program (FTP) This is what is currently open for applications. The FTP prepares instructors to effectively deliver the Mentoring Course to others. Topics include:
- Facilitating meaningful discussions on social identity in mentoring
- Managing power dynamics during group discussions
- How to navigate and guide difficult conversations
- Delivering course content clearly and effectively
- Supporting participants in real-time learning environments
In short, if you complete the FTP, you become equipped to train other scientists in socially conscious mentoring practices.
🌍 Benefits of the Facilitator Training Program
Participating in the SI-MI FTP offers several meaningful benefits:
- ✅ Completely free — no registration or enrollment fees
- 📜 Certificate of Completion upon finishing all training and assignments
- 💵 Possible stipend provided for participants who go on to facilitate the Fall 2026 SI-MI Course (contingent on available funding)
- 🌐 Fully virtual — accessible from anywhere in the world
- 🧠 Strong foundation for future facilitation and teaching roles
- 🤝 Professional network — connect with plant scientists across career stages
- 🌱 Real impact — help reshape mentoring culture in plant science
🌍 Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the SI-MI Facilitator Training Program, you should meet the following criteria:
- Must be a plant scientist at any career stage (graduate student, postdoc, faculty, researcher, etc.)
- Must be passionate about social justice and equity in academic settings
- Must be familiar with social justice frameworks — you will be teaching sensitive concepts to others
- Must be able to attend both training days in full: June 24 and June 30, 2026
- Must be available virtually during the training sessions
- Must be committed to potentially facilitating the Fall 2026 SI-MI Course (August–November 2026) if selected
English Proficiency: Since this is a U.S.-based NSF-funded program conducted in English, strong English communication skills are expected. No formal English test scores are required, but participants should be comfortable facilitating virtual discussions in English.
🌍 Who Should Apply
✅ You SHOULD apply if you are:
- A plant scientist who actively supports equity and inclusion in STEM
- Someone who wants to develop facilitation and teaching skills
- Interested in helping other scientists become better, more culturally aware mentors
- Available on both June 24 and June 30, 2026 (virtually)
- Willing to potentially co-facilitate the Fall 2026 SI-MI Mentoring Course
❌ You should NOT apply if you are:
- Not working in plant science or a closely related field
- Unable to commit to attending both training days
- Not comfortable engaging with topics of social identity, race, and equity in scientific settings
- Looking for an in-person event (this is fully virtual)
🌍 Program Schedule & Format
The Facilitator Training Program runs over two focused virtual half-days:
Day 1 – June 24, 2026: Facilitation Concepts
- Zoom logistics and platform setup for SI-MI
- Addressing power dynamics as a facilitator
- How to guide difficult conversations
- Validating participant responses in real time
- Cultural competency in scientific spaces
Homework (between sessions): Participants will prepare a section of the SI-MI course to facilitate for the class.
Day 2 – June 30, 2026: Facilitation Practice
- Mock facilitation: presentations and peer feedback
- Open Q&A session
The program is designed to be highly accessible:
- 🕐 5-minute breaks every 25 minutes to reduce Zoom fatigue
- 💬 Live captions enabled throughout
- 🗣️ Communication through both verbal and chat channels
- 📄 Training materials and assignments shared ahead of time
- ♿ Accommodation requests welcomed after selection
🌍 Required Documents / Application
The application process is simple and fully online. To apply:
- Visit the application form: https://forms.gle/m775HGCX22RqWZnW8
- Complete all required fields about your background, career stage, and motivation
- Demonstrate your familiarity with social justice frameworks and your commitment to plant science
No lengthy CV or recommendation letters are required — the application is designed to be straightforward and accessible.
🌍 Important Dates
| Milestone | Date |
| 📅 Application Opens | April 6, 2026 |
| ⏰ Application Deadline | May 8, 2026 |
| 📬 Notification of Results | Week of May 20, 2026 |
| 🗓️ Training Day 1 | June 24, 2026 |
| 🗓️ Training Day 2 | June 30, 2026 |
| 🍂 Fall SI-MI Course (facilitation opportunity) | August 28 – November 20, 2026 |
🌍 Why Apply for the SI-MI FTP?
The scientific community is increasingly recognizing that technical excellence alone is not enough — mentors who understand identity, power, and culture are essential to building truly inclusive labs and institutions. Here is why this opportunity stands out:
- 🌱 NSF-Funded Program — backed by the National Science Foundation, ensuring quality and credibility
- 👥 Community-Built Curriculum — developed by scientists from multiple societies with real mentoring expertise
- 🎓 Career-Relevant Skills — facilitation and DEI training are increasingly valued in academic and industry job applications
- 🌍 Global Impact — help transform how plant scientists across the world approach mentoring relationships
- 🆓 Zero Cost, High Value — a completely free program that delivers real professional development and networking
This is a rare chance to do meaningful work at the intersection of science and social justice — while also gaining skills that will benefit your own career for years to come.
🌍 Official Source
For full details and to submit your application, visit the official program page:
🔗 Official Link: SI-MI Facilitator Training Program – Root & Shoot 📋 Apply Directly Here: Application Form
🌍 Program Summary
| Field | Details |
| 🌱 Program | SI-MI Facilitator Training Program (FTP) |
| 🏢 Organizer | Root & Shoot (NSF Grant DBI-2134321) |
| 🌍 Mode | Fully Virtual |
| 💰 Cost | Free (stipend possible) |
| 🎯 For | Plant Scientists (all career stages) |
| 🗓️ Deadline | May 8, 2026 |
| 📅 Training Dates | June 24 & 30, 2026 |
| 🔗 Apply | forms.gle/m775HGCX22RqWZnW8 |
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