Program mission
The mission of Frisco ISD’s Independent Study and Mentorship (ISM) program is to give advanced academic students a self-directed, in-depth study of a topic they choose, with real-world experience under a community mentor. The program is built so students can explore future career interests, develop a professional product, and serve their community.
What we do
- Juniors and seniors apply and are selected for a rigorous, weighted elective.
- We pick a topic, interview professionals, and choose a mentor to work with.
- Fall is research-heavy: secondary sources, interviews, a mission statement, and a portfolio.
- Later we build an original product with our mentor and present the work.
- Along the way: professionalism, networking, public speaking, and actually showing up for people.