Marvel has rolled out a fresh initiative that ties mentorship to a friendly competition, with Natalie Portman lending her support as sponsor. The program is crafted for American girls in grades 9 through 12 and centers on meeting and learning from a professional woman who works in a STEM field. Participants are encouraged to locate a local mentor who inspires them, then conduct an interview that reveals the mentor’s day-to-day work, career path, and advice for someone starting out in science, technology, engineering, or math. The heart of the contest lies in a five-minute video that the entrant records to capture not only her enthusiasm for science but also the experience of connecting with a role model and the steps she intends to take toward a STEM career. This is more than a contest; it is a structured pathway that blends storytelling, networking, and authentic science exploration. Portman’s involvement signals Marvel’s ongoing effort to elevate female voices in both fiction and the real world of STEM.
Portman has long championed the idea that real women deserve greater visibility—both on screen and in classrooms. By partnering with Marvel on this contest, she emphasizes the value of mentorship, concrete examples of success, and practical guidance that can help girls see themselves in STEM settings. The program couples learners with mentors who can share day-to-day challenges and breakthroughs, fostering a relationship that may extend beyond the competition. From a broader perspective, the initiative aligns with ongoing shifts in media and education that seek to diversify role models and create tangible pipelines toward science and engineering careers.
Eligibility centers on American female students in grades 9 through 12. To participate, applicants must identify a woman working in a STEM field within their community who they find compelling and respectful. They then craft an unedited five-minute video in which they speak about their love of science, describe their mentor interview experience, and outline concrete steps they would take to pursue a career in STEM. Submissions are designed to be authentic and straightforward, highlighting genuine curiosity, communication skills, and potential to contribute to the field. A panel of judges evaluates the content for clarity, passion, and feasibility of the stated goals, with preference given to thoughtful storytelling and a clear demonstration of mentorship impact.
The top prize invites the winner to Los Angeles for the opening day screening of Thor: The Dark World at the El Capitan Theatre. In addition to the screening, the winning video is shown on the big screen, giving the student a platform to share her science story with a broad audience. The trip offers a unique blend of entertainment and education, allowing participants to experience the energy of a major movie premiere while celebrating women in STEM. The experience underscores Marvel’s commitment to celebrate scientific curiosity and to provide a real-world incentive for girls to pursue the sciences with confidence.
Canada is not included in this initial rollout, which has sparked conversations about how a similar program could work north of the border. Readers and fans are invited to share ideas, partners, and locations that could support a Canadian edition, whether through schools, science centers, or community organizations. The underlying message is that mentorship, role models, and hands-on exploration of STEM matter for young people anywhere, and conversations about adaptation help shape future opportunities.