The Letters to a Pre-Scientist (LPS) program connects students with real scientists to demystify STEM careers and empower all students to see themselves as future STEM professionals. Our snail mail pen pal program, facilitated by science teachers, pairs U.S. based student pre-scientists in low-income communities with STEM professional volunteers from around the world. Each pre-scientist is matched with a different scientist and many students get paired with someone who does not fit their stereotypical image of a scientist. The pair exchange eight letters during a school year and discuss higher education, STEM careers, and overcoming obstacles in their educational and career paths. Students ask questions and share their stories and aspirations. During the year, a scientist transforms from a figure in a textbook into an actual person the student can aspire to emulate.