“Congratulations to the 2025 Advocates. Their relentless dedication to mentoring students is transforming how �鶹���� is taught and experienced. By providing educators with resources and support to guide their students in scientific research and ultimately competing in �鶹���� competitions, we empower the next generation to solve the world’s most intractable problems,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of �鶹���� and Executive Publisher of Science News. “At �鶹����, we are shaping a future where students will not just learn science, but they will lead it.”

The Society’s Advocate Program is dedicated to broadening student access to science and technology by empowering educators to mentor students in building essential research skills and a confidence in their own �鶹���� ability. As classrooms integrate AI, data science and other emerging technologies, educators play a pivotal role in preparing students to solve urgent global challenges, invent transformative solutions and shape the future of science.

A cornerstone of the Advocate Program is the Advocate Training Institute, an intensive summer professional development experience. This year’s sessions covered cultivating student curiosity, building and promoting a high school research program, as well as fostering scientific integrity and ethical research practices. From newcomers learning the ropes to seasoned leaders expanding their reach, Advocates are setting ambitious goals to increase student participation in �鶹���� competitions, guiding students from research question to competition entry while managing logistics and deadlines.

Advocates this year hail from 34 states and Puerto Rico. Twenty-two mentor middle school students, thirty-eight mentor high school students, and ten mentor students across all grade levels. This year’s Advocates reach students across a diverse range of geographic locations, with 59 in public schools, 2 in private schools and 9 in charter or other types of schools.

In total, 439 teachers from 47 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and the Mariana Islands have participated in the program. Since its inception in 2015, the Advocate Program has been a key part of the Society’s outreach initiatives, building and connecting a national community of �鶹���� and research educators.

To date, Advocates have supported more than 8,335 students during their participation in the program, of which 6,039 students have successfully competed in at least one science research competition. During the 2024-2025 cycle, 76% percent of student mentees participated in science competitions at the local and/or national level. Overall, students of Advocates are responsible for over 11,000 unique competition entries, with many students entering more than one competition.

This year’s Advocate Program is made possible by Arconic Foundation, Battelle, DoD �鶹���� through the Defense �鶹���� Education Consortium, and Regeneron.

The following are this year’s 2025–2026 Advocates:

2025–2026 Lead Advocates:

1. Janirette Chaves Rodriguez, University High School (Orange City, FL)
2. Emily Dawson, Mark Bills Middle School (Peoria, IL)
3. Chance Duncan, Russellville High School (Russellville, AR)
4. Susie Fisher, Tongue River Middle School (Ranchester, WY)
5. Sam Hartpence, Pathfinder High School (Lander, WY)
6. AJ Mallozzi, Oregon State University (Corvallis, OR)
7. Alfred Olivas, INSIGHTS Science Discovery (El Paso, TX)
8. Garrick Purdie, Duplin Early College High School (Kenansville, NC)
9. Paul Timm, Lyons-Decatur Public Schools (Lyons, NE)

2025 – 2026 Advocates:

10. Jonas Almerino, Sallie B. Howard School of Arts and Science (Wilson, NC)
11. Lance Atkinson, Rialto Unified School District (Rialto, CA)
12. Janice Badongen Patal-e, Espanola Valley High School (Espanola, NM)
13. Anna Barrientos, Harmony Science Academy-Carrollton (Carrollton, TX)
14. Caitlin Bonham, Chicago Public Schools (Chicago, IL)
15. Tiffany Bookal, Gwinnett County Public Schools (Norcross, GA)
16. Ronald Brillantes, Porcupine School (Porcupine, SD)
17. Shanna Brown, Milwaukee Public Schools (Milwaukee, WI)
18. Benjamin Buchanan, Warren Central High School (Indianapolis, IN)
19. Shaneka Bullins, Palmdale High School (Palmdale, CA)
20. Kate Cameron, Delta High School (Pasco, WA)
21. Jalavender Clowney, Saluda Trail STEAM Middle School (Rock Hill, SC)
22. Geizi Dejka, San Juan College High School (Farmington, NM)
23. Brittany Devlin, Southeast High School (Bradenton, FL)
24. James Dowd III, Ardsley High School (Ardsley, NY)
25. Mark Eastburn, Princeton High School (Princeton, NJ)
26. Ryne Emerick, Lebanon High School (Lebanon, MO)
27. Meaghan Ferris, Meadow Park Middle School (Beaverton, OR)
28. Shauna Garbe, Barratt Elementary (American Fork, UT)
29. Steven Gaskill, Knudson Academy of the Arts (Las Vegas, NV)
30. Lamberto Geolin Jr., Ramah Middle/High School (Ramah, NM)
31. Cecelia Gillam, Benjamin Franklin High School (New Orleans, LA)
32. Lori Grabarkewitz, ISD 318/Robert J. Elkington Middle School (Grand Rapids, MN)
33. Willman Henriquez Osorio, George L. Carrington Middle School (Durham, NC)
34. Kathy Hockman, Jule F. Sumner High School (Riverview, FL)
35. Wayne Howse, Locust Fork High School (Locust Fork, AL)
36. Oktay Ince, Horizon Science Academy Columbus High School (Columbus, OH)
37. Tyza Faith A. Iwag, Raton High School (Raton, NM)
38. Sunday Iwalaiye, Prince George’s County Public Schools (Laurel, MD)
39. Carol Jones, Pine Ridge Middle School (West Columbia, SC)
40. Abraham Kamara, Tulsa Public Schools (Tulsa, OK)
41. Andrea Kennedy, LC Swain Community Middle School (Greenacres, FL)
42. Tayler Kriss, CCSD 26JT (Center, CO)
43. Olivia Kuper, North Greene High School (Greeneville, TN)
44. Niegel La Borde, Summit Academy Charter School (Brooklyn, NY)
45. Jennifer Langston, Paragould School District (Paragould, AR)
46. Kris Larsh, McLish Middle School (Stonewall, OK)
47. Rita Leary, Ashburn Elementary School (Chicago, IL)
48. Karla Lomax, DeKalb Alternative School (Stone Mountain, GA)
49. Karen Maninang, Harvest Preparatory Academy (Yuma, AZ)
50. Josephine Mesina, International High School at Largo (Upper Marlboro, MD)
51. Brandy Mickelson, Wind River Middle School (Pavilion, WY)
52. Shawn Mitchell, DuVal High School (Lanham, MD)
53. Sam Northey, SPPS Online High School (St. Paul, MN)
54. Wayne Oelfke, Fort White High School (High Springs, FL)
55. Suneetha Panda, Central High School Bibb County (Macon, GA)
56. Cris Anthony Rabino, Zuni High School (Zuni, NM)
57. Kristine Record, MET Professional Academy (Peoria, AZ)
58. Tiska Rodgers, Kennett High School (Kennett, MO)
59. Laura Rosado, Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola (San Juan, PR)
60. Elda Sandoval, Heatherbrea (Phoenix, AZ)
61. Latasha Sheffield, Athol High School (Athol, MA)
62. Cassy Smith, Decatur High School (Decatur, GA)
63. Claire Diane Tabanas, Desert Sunrise High School (Maricopa, AZ)
64. Kandice Taylor, Kirksey Middle School (Jackson, MS)
65. Leanne Thele, Perry County District 32 (Perryville, MO)
66. Silvia Valencia, Crowley ISD (Fort Worth, TX)
67. Jeanettra Watkins, Homewood-Flossmoor High School (Flossmoor, IL)
68. David White, Kingsview Middle School (Germantown, MD)
69. James Winkler, Clare Public Schools (Clare, MI)
70. Jill Wood, Raleigh County Schools (Coal City, WV)

Explore the profiles of this year’s Advocates here:  /stem-outreach-programs/advocate-program/meet/2025-26/

About �鶹����

�鶹���� is a champion for science, dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement. Established in 1921, �鶹���� is best known for its award-winning journalism through Science News and Science News Explores, its world-class science research competitions for students, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, and its �鶹���� Outreach programming that seeks to ensure that all students have an opportunity to pursue a career in �鶹����. A 501(c)(3) membership organization, �鶹���� is committed to inform, educate and inspire. Learn more at new.societyforscience.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat (Society4Science).

Media Contact:
Aparna K. Paul (she/her)
Director of Communications
�鶹����
apaul@societyforscience.org
781-375-8353

The post Empowering Mentors, Inspiring Innovators: �鶹���� invests $228,000 to support 70 �鶹���� educators mentoring the next generation appeared first on �鶹����.

Educators not only assist with the logistical challenges of entering �鶹���� research competitions, including selecting competitions to enter, gathering appropriate materials, and meeting deadlines, but also Advocates often guide students in pinpointing and selecting research topics and carrying out projects.

Award recipients this year come from 38 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Northern Mariana Islands. This is also the first year there are two educators from the U.S. Virgin Islands. Twenty-nine are middle school teachers, 56 are high school teachers, two are affiliated with universities while six work in nonprofit settings. This year’s Advocates are reaching students from a myriad of geographic areas as well, with 91 in public schools, 1 in a private school, and 1 in a tribal school—spanning urban, rural and suburban communities.

This year, 87 Advocates will each receive a $3,000 stipend, while 13 Lead Advocates will each receive $5,000 and oversee a group of educators in the program. Lead Advocates have the same goals and framework for the year as the regular Advocates, with the added responsibility of organizing and hosting cohort calls, where they mentor and discuss challenges and opportunities. The program operates in one-year cycles where Advocates work to increase the number of students they guide through the research and competition processes. All Advocates aim to add a minimum of three–five additional students each cycle, depending on their individual goals and experience level.

“As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of our Advocate Program, it’s inspiring to reflect on how far we’ve come—from just 9 teachers in our inaugural year to 100 passionate educators annually. These educators are empowering students to explore, innovate and enter science competitions. Their commitment is a testament to the transformative power of education, and we are thrilled to see the continued growth and impact of these programs,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of �鶹���� and Executive Publisher of Science News.

Over the decade, 398 teachers from 47 states and the District of Columbia have participated in the program. Advocates report that the program has significantly enhanced their knowledge and capacity to support students in research and competition. Additionally, survey data indicates that students who participated in the program experience increased content knowledge, self-confidence, and skill-building related to �鶹����.

To date, Advocates have supported more than 7,000 students during their participation in the program, of which, 5,200 students have successfully competed in at least one science research competition. During the 2023-2024 cycle, 68% percent of student mentees participated in science competitions at the local and/or national level. Overall, students of Advocates are responsible for over 9,200 unique competition entries, with many students entering more than one competition. Ninety percent of those students are from low-income households and 75% are of a race or ethnicity underrepresented in �鶹����.

In June, this year’s class of educators gathered at the annual Advocate Training Institute in the nation’s capital where Lead Advocates met with their cohorts for the first time to converse on critical topics ranging from effectively engaging underrepresented populations in �鶹���� research to empowering students to see themselves as scientists. New Advocates also began planning their initiatives for the coming school year under the mentorship and direction of Lead Advocates.

This year’s Advocate Program is made possible by Arconic Foundation, Battelle, the Central Intelligence Agency, Intel Corporation and Regeneron.

The following are 2024-2025 Lead Advocates, who will oversee groups of Advocates.

2024 – 2025 Lead Advocates: 

Stephen Beall, City High School (Tucson, AZ)
Christina Campos, West Oso Junior High (Corpus Christi, TX)
Rochelle Darville, West St. John High School (Edgard, LA)
Chance Duncan, Russellville High School (Russellville, AR)
Susie Fisher, Tongue River Middle School (Ranchester, WY)
Dede Henderson, South Hamilton Middle and High School (Jewell, IA)
Kaleena Jedinak, Tybee Island Maritime Academy (Tybee Island, GA)
Ben Martin, McCluer High School (Florissant, MO)
Maria Martinez, Harmony School of Excellence Laredo (Laredo, TX)
Joy Mordica, Equity Research Group Inc (Brookhaven, GA)
Eual Phillips, Spring-Ford Area High School (Royersford, PA)
Jennifer Stover, Lufkin High School (Lufkin, TX)
Paul Timm, Lyons-Decatur Public Schools, (Lyons, NE)

2024 – 2025 Advocates: 

Rachel Acuna, Alta Vista Early College High School (Anthony, NM)
Jakara Bachua, �鶹���� NOLA (New Orleans, LA)
Carmen Bird, Alfredo Andrews Elementary School (Kingshill, VI)
Ronald Brillantes, Porcupine School (Porcupine, SD)
Aja Brown, The Metropolitan Soundview High School (Bronx, NY)
Karen Bruening, Pensacola High School (Pensacola, FL)
Glen Bybee, Los Angeles Academy Middle School (Los Angeles, CA)
Christina Campos, Antonio E. Garcia Center (Corpus Christi, TX)
Janirette Chaves Rodriguez, River Springs Middle (Orange City, FL)
Tanya Chiarella, Billerica Public School (Billerica, MA)
Jacob Contreras, Tornillo High School (Tornillo, TX)
Patrice Cooley, Indiana Math and Science Academy North (Indianapolis, IN)
Ann Cowan, Hiram High School (Hiram, GA)
Keishla Crespo, Escuela con Causa Rosalina C. Martinez (Guaynabo, PR)
Jane Cunningham, Cass Technical High School (Detroit, MI)
Susan Curtis Flores, Truman Middle (Fontana, CA)
Lakshmi Darbha, Aavanee.org (Clarksburg, MD)
Geizi Dejka, San Juan College High School (Farmington, NM)
Harry Dittrich, Pathway School of Discovery (Dayton, OH)
Marifi Doculan, Marianas High School (Saipan, MP)
Susan Dougherty, Stamford High School (Greenwich, CT)
Roger Dowdney, Thomson-McDuffie Middle School (Thomson, GA)
Colleen Duda, Bronx Center for Science and Mathematics (Bronx, NY)
Velicia Everett, Sampson Middle School (Clinton, NC)
Terica Gagophien, Vicksburg High School (Vicksburg, MS)
Shauna Garbe, Barratt Elementary School (American Fork, UT)
Genevieve Garcia, Kotlik School (Kotlik, AK)
Jennifer Gentry, Ph.D., Critical Reasoning Science Partners (Nashville, TN)
Sondra Harris, Indiana Math and Science Academy West (Indianapolis, IN)
Sam Hartpence, Pathfinder High School (Lander, WY)
Jennifer Hatch, Medomak Valley High School (Waldoboro, ME)
Brigette Hernandez, Woonsocket High School (Woonsocket, RI)
Rebecca Hiatt, Baylor College of Medicine Biotech Academy at Rusk (Houston, TX)
Matt Hinchley, Liberty Bell Junior-Senior High School (Winthrop, WA)
Tracyee Hogans Foster, Dogwood Middle School (Richmond, VA)
Stacie Hopple, New Lexington Middle School (New Lexington, OH)
Sunitha Howard, Lincoln High School (Yonkers, NY)
Rania Ibrahim, Dana Middle School (Arcadia, CA)
Oktay Ince, Horizon Science Academy Columbus High School (Columbus, OH)
Jasmine Jones, Skyline High School (Dallas, TX)
Carol Jones, Pine Ridge Middle School (West Columbia, SC)
Pamela Joslyn, Susan Clark Junior High (Muscatine, IA)
Abraham Kamara, Memorial Middle School (Owasso, OK)
Michele Karnbach, Woodbridge High School (Woodbridge, VA)
Sarah Kim, Magnolia Science Academy 6 (Los Angeles, CA)
Olivia Kuper, North Greene High School (Greeneville, TN)
Valerie Ledford, Columbia High School (Lake City, FL)
Brianne Loya, Bioscience High School (Phoenix, AZ)
Jeniffer Madrid, Rice Intermediate School (San Carlos, AZ)
Abigail Marshall, Browning High School (Browning, MT)
Demvia Maslian, New Mexico Military Institute (Roswell, NM)
Justice Mason, Little Rock Southwest High School (Little Rock, AR)
Kristi Mathiesen, Monte Vista Middle School (Monte Vista, CO)
Sumitra Miriyala, AT Still University (Kirksville, MO)
Shawn Mithell, DuVal High School (Lanham, MD)
Pamela Nagafugi, University of Colorado (Denver, CO)
Sam Northey, SPPS Online High School (St. Paul, MN)
Stephen Nye, Julia Landon College Preparatory and Leadership Development Academy (Jacksonville, FL)
Wayne Oelfke, Ft. White High School (High Springs, FL)
Sharon Okoye, Albemarle Road Middle School (Charlotte, NC)
Tara Olenja, Hughes Academy of Science & Technology (Greenville, SC)
Alfred Olivas, INSIGHTS Science Discovery (El Paso, TX)
Sellah Owiti, Colleton County High School (Waterboro, SC)
Suneetha Panda, Northeast High School (Macon, GA)
Brenda Perez-Goodrum, New Liberty Innovation High School Salem (Salem, MA)
Garrick Purdie, Duplin Early College High School (Kenansville, NC)
Liliana Ramos, Ronald Reagan / Doral Senior High School (Doral, FL)
Jacquelyn Rondhuis, Parkrose High School (Portland, OR)
Laura Rosado, Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola (San Juan, PR)
Christine Sanfratello, Lindenhurst Senior High School (Lindenhurst, NY)
Zulaika Shamshieva, Tallahassee School of Math and Science (Tallahassee, FL)
Latasha Sheffield, Athol High School (Athol, MA)
Katie Southard, Salem High School (Salem, AR)
Quinton Spikener, XyayX the Movement (Brooklyn, NY)
Jason Cyril Tajores, Ivanna Eudora Kean High School (St. Thomas, VI)
Mashika Tempero Culliver, RB Hudson �鶹���� Academy (Selma, AL)
Kaneka Threatt, Lowndes County Career Tech Center (Hayneville, AL)
Julie Throne, Cedar Shoals High School (Athens, GA)
Romalyn Ubaldo, Santa Rosa High School (Santa Rosa, NM)
Carol Unterreiner, Milwee Middle School (Longwood, FL)
Lizbeth Valera, San Luis Middle School (San Luis, AZ)
Jeanettra Watkins, Homewood Flossmoor High School (Flossmoor, IL)
Aisha Weaver, Johnnie Colemon Academy (Chicago, IL)
Candice White, Turning Point Secondary School (Arlington, TX)
Yolanda Whitted, Girls Global Academy (Washington, DC)
Jill Wood, Independence High School (Coal City, WV)
Heather Wygant, Santa Cruz County Office of Education (Santa Cruz, CA)

Learn more about this year’s Advocates here: /outreach-and-equity/advocate-program/meet/2024-25/

About �鶹����

�鶹���� is a champion for science, dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement. Established in 1921, �鶹���� is best known for its award-winning journalism through Science News and Science News Explores, its world-class science research competitions for students, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, and its outreach and equity programming that seeks to ensure that all students have an opportunity to pursue a career in �鶹����. A 501(c)(3) membership organization, �鶹���� is committed to inform, educate and inspire. Learn more at new.societyforscience.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat (Society4Science).

Media Contact:
Aparna K. Paul (she/her)
Director of Communications
�鶹����
apaul@societyforscience.org
781-375-8353

The post A Decade of Dedication: �鶹���� announces 100 educators in the 10th year of the Advocate Program with $326,000 in support appeared first on �鶹����.

To share more about the Advocate experience, we caught up with Loree Harvey, who is now in her third year of the program. As a Lead Advocate, she serves as a resource and mentor to newer Advocates. You may also recognize Loree from her role in Science Fair: The Series, in which she helped guide several of her students to complete at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair.

Learn more about Loree and her time in the Advocate Program in our interview below.

Can you tell us a little about your background?

I am currently in my 20th year at the Monte Vista School District, teaching life sciences and student research at the high school. I have bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology, with an emphasis in amphibian physiology. Before becoming a teacher, I worked extensively with several state and federal agencies in wetlands and terrestrial ecology, as well as wildlife restoration and management. I also currently contract as a Wildlife Biologist for the Bureau of Land Management, monitoring habitat and wildlife in the San Luis Valley’s half-a-million acres of BLM land during summers.

What has your experience as an Advocate been like? What was your favorite part of the Advocate Training Institute?

I have truly enjoyed being both an Advocate and Lead Advocate in the years that I have participated in this outstanding program. The Advocate Program is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for motivated teachers to grow and expand their student research programs and improve their outreach to under-represented student groups. This in turn helps students who may never have had exposure to research opportunities try their hand at scientific investigation and hopefully experience excitement and success and consider future careers in �鶹����.

What is your favorite part of the Advocate Training Institute?

My favorite part of the Advocate Training Institute is meeting such a wide array of fantastic teachers from across the country and sharing their excitement and ideas for bringing research opportunities to students.

In your role as a Culture-Shift Advocate, you’re working to build a community that promotes �鶹���� exploration and achievement, not only among students but also potentially expanding beyond. What has your strategy been in achieving your goals?

As I’ve provided research training and opportunities to students within my program, I’ve taken great pride in attempting to help teachers not only within our district, but also those in neighboring districts who wish to build and expand research programs of their own, and get kids excited about science. It is my strong desire to help all kids learn about science, regardless of what school they attend, because the ultimate goal of solving the big problems we face as a society and nation today is an informed, scientifically literate citizenry. That is only accomplished when science is available, accessible and understood by all, and I want that more than I can express.

The Advocate Program has provided critical funding and support to help me achieve not only my specific student research goals, but also the larger objective of helping my peers expand their programs and recruit students from across our geographical area.

Can you tell us in a few words why you’re passionate about �鶹���� education? How has the Advocate Program supported you in your work?

In only a few words? That’s tough but let me try! When students acquire a deeper understanding of �鶹����, they learn to think critically, trust data and see facts for what they are, avoiding the haze of science misinformation that seems to dominate many media outlets. I believe that the Advocate Program is completely aligned with this mission and supports teachers who wish to train students to become critical, analytical thinkers.

Why would you recommend other educators apply for the Advocate Program?

The Advocate Program is a phenomenal opportunity to join a network of smart, innovative, like-minded peers. In the Advocate Program, you’ll learn about the many research competitions that are available for students and the effective and powerful strategies that other brilliant teachers are using to enhance student research. It is a professional development opportunity that is like no other, and the benefits and rewards of being involved with such a group will last for a teacher’s entire career.

What gives you hope for the future?

That we, as adults, are modeling and teaching kids not to give up.  As I journey through my teaching career, I see that those very students who learned this lesson are pushing forward and expanding the bounds of what we know, and what we can do as responsible stewards of this planet. That gives me tremendous hope.

Learn more about the Advocate Program and how to apply here: /outreach-and-equity/advocate-program

The post Advocate Interview: Loree Harvey of Monte Vista, Colorado appeared first on �鶹����.

The Society’s Advocates play a pivotal role in empowering students to embark on scientific research projects, which are then subsequently entered into �鶹���� competitions and fairs. These dedicated mentors are tasked with enhancing opportunities for students who have historically been underserved and underrepresented, including those from diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds and low-income households.  The Advocates, who receive professional development and year-round support from the Society, play a pivotal role in supporting students, from embarking on scientific research projects to entering their projects into �鶹���� research competitions by fostering more accessible and equitable pathways into �鶹����.

Through their support of students in �鶹���� research competitions, Advocates help to increase student self-confidence and find like-minded peer groups, develop written and oral communication skills, and help them to apply scientific thinking to the world around them, allowing them to become more science-minded citizens.

In addition to their guidance, these mentors often introduce students to potential research topics and projects. Once they assemble a cohort of learners, educators also provide valuable assistance in navigating logistical aspects, such as identifying appropriate competitions, compiling essential materials, and meeting crucial deadlines.

Award recipients this year come from 36 states, the District of Columbia and the Northern Mariana Islands. Thirty-six are middle school teachers while 52 are high school teachers. This year, there are also three educators affiliated with universities, two who teach at both a high school and a university, two are district level staff and six work in nonprofit settings. This year’s Advocates represent 94 public schools and 3 private schools and serve in a variety of school types in urban, rural and suburban areas.This year, 87 Advocates will each receive a $3,000 stipend, while 13 Lead Advocates will each receive $5,000 and oversee a group of educators in the program. Lead Advocates have the same goals and framework for the year as the regular Advocates, with the added responsibility of organizing and hosting cohort calls, where they mentor and discuss challenges and opportunities. The program operates in one-year cycles where Advocates work to increase the number of students they guide through the research and competition processes. All Advocates aim to add a minimum of three–five additional students each cycle, depending on their setting, individual goals and experience level.

“The Advocate Program showcases the profound impact educators have on shaping the trajectory of future �鶹���� problem solvers and innovators. This year’s exceptional group of 100 teachers exemplifies the dedication and passion it takes to inspire and mentor the next generation of �鶹���� leaders,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of the �鶹���� and Executive Publisher of Science News. “Through �鶹���� competitions, students not only showcase their research projects but also forge meaningful friendships and collaborations that will accompany them on their �鶹���� journeys.”

To date, Advocates have supported more than 6,000 students during their participation in the program, of which, over 4,400 students have successfully competed in at least one science research competition. During the 2022-2023 cycle, approximately 70% percent of student mentees participated in science competitions at the local and/or national level. Overall, students of Advocates are responsible for over 7,500 unique competition entries, with many students entering more than one competition. Eighty-five percent of those students are from low-income households and 80% percent are of a race or ethnicity underrepresented in �鶹����.

Earlier in June this year, the Advocates assembled at an Advocate Training Institute in Washington D.C. where Lead Advocates convened with their educator cohorts for small-group discussions on a myriad of educational topics.

This year’s Advocate Program is made possible by Arconic Foundation, Intel Corporation, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and Regeneron.

The following are 2023-2024 Lead Advocates, who will oversee groups of Advocates

1. Christina Campos, West Oso Junior High School (Corpus Christi, TX)
2. Loree Harvey, Monte Vista High School (Monte Vista, CO)
3. Merridith Joly, Gordon Parks High School (St. Paul, MN)
4. Edwina Kinchington, Pittsburg Science and Technology Academy (Pittsburg, PA)
5. Mary Kennedy, Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Cleveland, OH)
6. Gaurang Limachia, Go�鶹���� (Chicago, IL)
7. Ben Martin, St. Clair High School (St Clair, MO)
8. Eual Phillips, Hill-Freedman World Academy (Philadelphia, PA)
9. Andre Pineda, Canyon Day Junior High School (Whiteriver, AZ)
10. Heather Sims, Hobart High School (Hobart, OK)
11. Melissa Sleeper, Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy (Melbourne, FL)
12. John Wiley, Challenge School (Aurora, CO)
13. Jean Yoo, Almeria Middle School (Fontana, CA)

2023-2024 Advocates: 

1. Roy Adsit, Saipan Southern High School (Saipan, MP)
2. Lance Atkinson, Eisenhower High School (Rialto, CA)
3. Iesha Baldwin, Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA)
4. Aishat Balogun, Bloomington High School North (Bloomington, IN)
5. Stephen Beall, City High School (Tucson, AZ)
6. Rachana Bhonsle, Colleton County High School (Walterboro, SC)
7. Humberto Bracho, Peralta Hacienda Historical Park (Oakland, CA)
8. Karen Bruening, Pensacola High School (Pensacola, FL)
9. Jerry Cantrell, Seminole High School (Seminole, FL)
10. Jeffrey Charles, Del Valle Middle School (Del Valle, TX)
11. Janirette Chaves, River Springs Middle School (Orange City, FL)
12. Gemma Clarke, Chesapeake Math & IT Academy High School (Laurel, MD)
13. Philip Clarke, Centennial High School (Gresham, OR)
14. Rachel Collins, Woodbridge Middle School (Woodbridge, VA)
15. Renee Cordes, Flathead High School (Kalispell, MT)
16. Ann Marie Cowan, Hiram High School (Hiram, GA)
17. Kelly Cox, Forest Grove Middle School (Worcester, MA)
18. Steven Craig, Southeast High School (Bradenton, FL)
19. Laura Cruz-Gomez, Fannin Middle School (Grand Prairie, TX)
20. Jennifer Dahlstrom, Bronx Lab School (Bronx, NY)
21. Emily Dawson, Mark Bills Middle School (Peoria, IL)
22. Geizi, Dejka, San Juan College High School (Farmington, NM)
23. Marifi Doculan, Marianas High School (Saipan, MP)
24. Elizabeth Donaldson, Marfa High School (Marfa, TX)
25. Michele Drayton, Richard T Crane Medical Preparatory High School (Chicago, IL)
26. Chance Duncan, Russellville High School (Russellville, AR)
27. Patricia Dunne, Baldi Middle School (Philadelphia, PA)
28. Ryne Emerick, Lebanon High School (Lebanon, MO)
29. David Esparza, Transmountain Early College High School (El Paso, TX)
30. Velicia Everett, Sampson Middle School, (Clinton, NC)
31. Susie Fisher, Tongue River Middle School (Ranchester, WY)
32. Shauna Garbe, Barratt Elementary School (American Fork, UT)
33. Alaina Garza, Clear Brook High School (Friendswood, TX)
34. Jennifer Gentry, Vanderbilt Collaborative for �鶹���� Education and Outreach (Nashville, TN)
35. Kimberly Gonzalez, Westminster High School (Westminster, CA)
36. Christina Griffis, Putnam Academy of Arts and Sciences (Palatka, FL)
37. Jennifer Gwilt, Glenn W. Levey Middle School (Southfield, MI)
38. Cameron Hall, Caddo Parish Magnet High School (Shreveport, LA)
39. Sondra Harris, Indiana Math and Science Academy West (Indianapolis, IN)
40. Samuel Hartpence, Pathfinder High School (Lander, WY)
41. Jennifer Hatch, Medomak Valley High School (Waldoboro, ME)
42. Dede Henderson, South Hamilton Jr./Sr High School (Jewell, IA)
43. Toni Ireland, Centennial High School (Ellicott City, MD)
44. Sunday Iwalaiye, Laurel High School (Laurel, MD)
45. Kaleena Jedinak, Tybee Island Maritime Academy (Tybee Island, GA)
46. Carter Johnson, Hilsman Middle School (Athens, GA)
47. Patricia Jolliff, Richardson PREP HI Middle School (San Bernardino, CA)
48. Winnie Jones, Meridian Public School District (Meridian, MS)
49. Stephanie Jones, Central Gwinnett High School (Lawrenceville, GA)
50. Andrea Jydstrup-McKinney, West Career and Technical Academy (Las Vegas, NV)
51. Michele Karnbach, Woodbridge High School (Woodbridge, VA)
52. Jean Karst, John Jay Science and Engineering Academy (San Antonio, TX)
53. Jeannine Lanphear, North Brunswick Township Public Schools (North Brunswick, NJ)
54. Lori Linkins, Neely’s Bend Elementary School (Madison, TN)
55. Nathaniel Lohmann, Palmer High School (Colorado Springs, CO)
56. Ashley Long, Undercroft Montessori School (Tulsa, OK)
57. Jensine Lucas, Octavia E. Butler Magnet (Pasadena, CA)
58. Demvia Maslian, New Mexico Military Institute (Roswell, NM)
59. Kristi Mathiesen, Monte Vista Middle School (Monte Vista, CO)
60. Brittany Mendez, Harmony School of Innovation (Brownsville, TX)
61. Donna Misthos, Austin Science Education Foundation (Austin, TX)
62. Jessica Mitchell, McNeil Middle School (Wichita Falls, TX)
63. Joy Mordica, Equity Research Group (Atlanta, GA)
64. Lalitha Murali, Glen Hills Middle School (Glendale, WI)
65. Pamela Nagafuji, University of Colorado – Denver (Denver, CO)
66. Bree Oatman, Lower Brule High School (Lower Brule, SD)
67. Alfredo Olivas, INSIGHTS Science & Discovery Center (El Paso, TX)
68. Vilma Orduna, Porter Early College High School (Brownsville, TX)
69. Brenda Perez-Goodrum, New Liberty Innovation School (Salem, MA)
70. Damaris Ponciano-Jackson, M.E.T.A.S. �鶹����, LLC (Frederick, MD)
71. Tyrikia Porter, Magnolia Middle School (Meridian, MS)
72. Garrick Purdie, Duplin Early College High School (Kenansville, NC)
73. Liliana Ramos, Ronald W. Reagan Doral Senior High School (Doral, FL)
74. Laura Rosado, Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola (San Juan, PR)
75. Wanda Rosario, Northeast High School (Oakland Park, FL)
76. John Ruhl, Toms River Intermediate North (Toms River, NJ)
77. Alfred Santos, Harvest Preparatory Academy (Yuma, AZ)
78. Tabatha Schacht, Montwood High School (El Paso, TX)
79. Jake Schofield, Yonkers Partners in Education (Yonkers, NY)
80. Delois Scott, Murphey Middle School (Augusta, GA)
81. Zulaika Shamshieva, Tallahassee School of Math and Science (Tallahassee, FL)
82. Adrienne Shilling, Idaho Virtual Academy (Meridian, ID)
83. Audrey Smeltzer-Schwab, Muhlenberg High School (Reading, PA)
84. Katie Southard, Salem High School (Salem, AR)
85. Bradley Spencer, North Park Elementary School (Roy, UT)
86. Jennifer Stover, Lufkin High School (Lufkin, TX)
87. Sergio Torres, Native American Community Academy (Albuquerque, NM)

Learn more about this year’s Advocates here: /outreach-and-equity/advocate-program/meet/2023-24/

About �鶹����

�鶹���� is a champion for science, dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement. Established in 1921, �鶹���� is best known for its award-winning journalism through Science News and Science News Explores, its world-class science research competitions for students, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, and its outreach and equity programming that seeks to ensure that all students have an opportunity to pursue a career in �鶹����. A 501(c)(3) membership organization, �鶹���� is committed to inform, educate and inspire. Learn more at new.societyforscience.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat (Society4Science).

Media Contact:
Aparna Paul (she/her)
Director of Communications
�鶹����
apaul@societyforscience.org
781-375-8353

The post �鶹���� celebrates 100 educators chosen for the Advocate Program, inspiring future �鶹���� leaders appeared first on �鶹����.

Cecilie joined the �鶹���� Advocate Program after a science fair mentor retired. Her colleague had been involved with the middle school’s science program. Cecilie is a third-year participant in the Advocate Program. In her current role as a Lead Advocate, she is in charge of leading and supporting a cohort of other Advocates. Lead Advocates receive training and year-round support to provide �鶹���� opportunities for students traditionally underrepresented in science research competitions. In addition to the training and support, Lead Advocates also receive a stipend and a paid trip to Washington, D.C. to attend an Advocate Training Institute where they meet other educators at a weekend-long convening.

“I feel very fortunate to be a Lead Advocate. The �鶹���� Advocate Program has been such a positive influence in our science fair, and I am thankful to be able to contribute. I have learned so much from my cohorts and fellow Lead Advocates,” says Cecilie. Thanks to fresh ideas and support from her Advocate cohort, she has been able to help students improve their research projects, answer logistical questions about entering science fairs and see their success firsthand.

For student Shanti Junker, Cecilie’s mentorship and guidance was invaluable. She helped Shanti develop a scientific research project that was later entered into a science fair. Shanti completed her research on regenerative agriculture and its effect on the soil microbiome and carbon sequestration in the seventh  grade.

“Ms. Prine was an essential mentor for me while completing my project. She helped point me towards resources and motivate me to get the project done. She also helped proofread my work. Without her, I would not have been able to complete my seventh and eighth grade projects. She was always willing to help and answer questions I had,” shared Shanti.

Shanti competed in the virtual Wyoming State Science Fair in 2021, taking first place in the Earth and Environmental Sciences category. Now in her freshman year of high school, Shanti’s goal is to complete a project related to her seventh grade research project. Shanti plans to measure methane emissions in manure from grass-fed cows versus corn-fed cows and determine whether there is a difference in those emissions and the impact on the environment.

Seeing her students find fulfillment, build scientific skillsets and follow lines of questioning that pique their curiosity in hands-on research projects are just some of Cecilie’s main goals as an Advocate.

Cecilie also finds participation in competitions beneficial for her students, saying, “Students not only work through the scientific or engineering methods, but they also learn how to write scientific papers, go through judging interviews, travel to colleges and universities, and network with other students who care about �鶹���� and are changing the world in a positive way,” says Cecilie. “All of these aspects allow students to grow and build confidence. They start to see themselves in these very important roles and places they never imagined they would be.”

Over the last three years, Cecilie has been able to continue and strengthen the �鶹���� club and science fair program at her middle school. With the help of the Advocate Program, she hopes to expand these programs at the high school level, and get more students involved in research. Cecilie expressed how empowering it is to be surrounded by people who believe in the importance of science fair competitions, for all students.

If you are a teacher considering applying to the Society’s Advocate Program but are still undecided, Cecilie wants you to know how supportive the program is, saying, “This program is absolutely top-notch. The people involved really care about the students and the importance of giving them opportunities to compete in science fair competitions. Everyone has been helpful and encouraging over the years, helping me stay motivated and providing me with ideas on how to improve our program during challenging times.”

To learn more about how the �鶹���� Advocate Program can support you and your students in pursuing scientific research, you can find more information here. Applications to join the Advocate Program are due on March 5, 2023. !

The post Helping Hands: A Lead Advocate helps students harness �鶹���� resources appeared first on �鶹����.

With more than half of American students back in school this week, teachers will continue to adjust their classrooms for in-person learning, make up for learning loss and overcome the pervasive issue of a teacher shortage. Teachers will help uplift student populations through their work. The Advocates will lead the charge by expanding opportunities and participation of students from historically underserved and underrepresented races or ethnicities and low-income households in independent science research and competitions. These mentors will work to transition their student from hands-on research to successful entry of those projects into science fairs, making �鶹���� career pathways more welcoming, possible and inclusive for all. Often these mentors also present their students with potential research opportunities. After recruiting a cohort of students, educators will help learners stay on top of a variety of logistical tasks such as selecting eligible competitions, gathering materials and meeting deadlines.

This year, 73 Advocates will each receive a $3,000 stipend, while 11 Lead Advocates will each receive $5,000 and oversee a group of educators in the program. This year there are 34 returning Advocates, including Lead Advocates. The program operates in one-year cycles where Advocates work to increase the number of students they guide through the research and competition processes. All Advocates aim to add a minimum of three–five additional students each cycle, depending on their setting, individual goals and experience level.

“Since the Advocate Program launched seven years ago, nearly 4,000 students across the country have entered esteemed science competitions, including some of our own. This is particularly encouraging and exciting because this means these young scientists are being raised to be the world’s next generation of problem solvers,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of the �鶹���� and Publisher of Science News. “I’m thrilled to honor our Advocates this year — these teachers are heroes who are fundamentally changing the trajectory of the lives of diverse students through this program.”

To date, Advocates have supported more than 5,100 students during their participation in the program, of which, nearly 4,000 have successfully competed in at least one science research competition. During the 2021-2022 cycle, approximately 75% of student mentees participated in science competitions at the local and/or national level. Overall, students of Advocates are responsible for over 6,300 unique competition entries, with many students entering more than one competition. Ninety percent of those students are from low-income households and 70% are of a race or ethnicity underrepresented in �鶹����.

Award recipients this year hail from 36 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and this is also the first time the program has international educators — four teachers from Mexico. Twenty-six are middle school teachers, 37 are high school teachers and four teach both middle and high school. This year, there are also two educators affiliated with universities, four who teach at both a high school and a university, four are district level staff and seven work in nonprofit settings. The program serves a variety of school types in urban, rural and suburban areas. This year’s Advocates represents 71 public schools, 14 magnet schools, eight charter and three private schools.

In June of this year, the Advocates met at an Advocate Training Institute in Washington D.C. Lead Advocates met with their educator cohorts and engaged in small discussions on key topics including analyzing big data sets, starting a school science and engineering fair, managing student research programs in rural schools, collaborating with community partners in urban schools and much more.

This year’s Advocate Program is made possible by Arconic Foundation, Intel Corporation, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, National Geographic Society and Regeneron.

The following are 2022-2023 Lead Advocates, who will oversee groups of Advocates:

1. Ramon Benavides, Del Valle High School (El Paso, TX)
2. Elizabeth Bieri, Cristo Rey Jesuit Houston (Houston, TX)
3. Cameron Cooley, Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering (Memphis, TN)
4. Edwina Kinchington, Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy (Pittsburgh, PA)
5. Andrea LaRosa, Westside Middle School Academy (Danbury, CT)
6. Allyson McFalls, Blowing Rock Elementary School (Blowing Rock, NC)
7. Amy Melby, Yuma High School (Yuma, CO)
8. Jessica Menchaca, Del Valle ISD (Del Valle, TX)
9. Jacqueline Nichols, Sunnyside Unified School District (Tucson, AZ)
10. Yajaira Torres-De Jesus, Colegio Rosa Bell (Guaynabo, PR)
11. Joshua Truitt, Clarke County Schools (Athens, GA)

The following are 2022-2023 Advocates:

1. Lance Atkinson, Eisenhower High School (Rialto, CA)
2. Aishat Balogun, Bloomington High School North (Bloomington, IN)
3. Stephen Beall, City High School (Tucson, AZ)
4. Gemma Bognot-Clarke, Chesapeake Math & IT Public Charter (Laurel, MD)
5. Humberto Bracho, Frick United Academy of Language (Oakland, CA)
6. Mary Brown, John Marshall School of Engineering (Cleveland, OH)
7. Denise Caceres, Philadelphia High School for Girls (Philadelphia, PA)
8. Christina Campos, West Oso Junior High (Corpus Christi, TX)
9. Leslie Cannon, ATLAS Academy at Tennyson Middle School (Waco, TX)
10. Renee Cordes, Flathead High School (Kalispell, MT)
11. Norma Cullo, Bronx International High School (Bronx, NY)
12. Rochelle Darville, West St. John High School (Edgard, LA)
13. Alan Daugherty, Melrose Municipal Schools (Melrose, NM)
14. Dannielle Davis, Circle of Excellence Network (St. Louis, MO)
15. Jessica Doiron, Freedom High School (Woodbridge, VA)
16. Michele Drayton, Richard T. Crane Medical Preparatory High School (Chicago, IL)
17. Mark Eastburn, Princeton High School (Princeton, NJ)
18. Ryne Emerick, Lebanon High School (Lebanon, MO)
19. Nancy Gamez, CECyTE Jalisco (Tlajomulco de Zúñiga, Jalisco, Mexico)
20. Eleonor Gómez Rebolledo, Kumutú STEAM (La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico)
21. Jasmin Graham, Minorities in Shark Sciences (Bradenton, FL)
22. John Gresham, Tompkins High School (Katy, TX)
23. Julia Griffith, Red Bird Christian School (Beverly, KY)
24. Phebe Priscilla Fuentes, Homer Hanna Early College High School (Brownsville, TX)
25. Marquita Hammock, Southwest Leadership Academy (Philadelphia, PA)
26. Naomi Hampson, YMWIC Foundation, Inc. (Cheyney, PA)
27. Tahnee Harrell, Miramar High School (Miramar, FL)
28. Jennifer Hatch, Medomak Valley High School (Waldoboro, ME)
29. Kristina Hellmich, Two Rivers Middle School Public Charter School (Washington, DC)
30. Dede Henderson, South Hamilton CSD (Jewell, IA)
31. Rebecca Hooper, Laurel School District (Laurel, MS)
32. Todd Ireland, 100 Black Men of Douglasville, Inc. (Douglasville, GA)
33. Sunday Iwalaiye, Prince George’s County Public Schools (Laurel, MD)
34. Ann Jackson, Miller Middle School (Marshalltown, IA)
35. Karen Johnson, Evanston Township High School (Evanston, IL)
36. Patricia Jolliff, Richardson PREP HI Middle School (San Bernadino, CA)
37. Andrea Jydstrup-McKinney, West Career and Technical Academy (Las Vegas NV)
38. Robert Keeney, Rio Rancho High School (Rio Rancho, NM)
39. Nancy Kincaid, Eastside High School (Gainesville, FL)
40. Elizabeth King, Indiana Math and Science Academy West (Indianapolis, IN)
41. Jeannine Lanphear, North Brunswick Township Public Schools (North Brunswick, NJ)
42. Gaurang Limachia, Go�鶹���� (Chicago, IL)
43. Amy Mallozzi, Oregon State University (Corvallis, OR)
44. Ben Martin, St. Clair High School (St. Clair, MO)
45. Maria Martinez, Harmony School of Excellence Laredo (Laredo, TX)
46. Erin Mayer, Casey Middle School (Boulder, CO)
47. Joy Mordica, Equity Research Group, Inc. (Atlanta, GA)
48. Cynthia Moss, Los Angeles Academy Middle School (Los Angeles, CA)
49. Lalitha Murali, Glen Hills Middle School (Glendale, WI)
50. Susana Oliu, John Muir High School Early College Magnet (Pasadena, CA)
51. Eual Phillips, Hill-Freedman World Academy (Philadelphia, PA)
52. Breily Poot Ek, Hunab Proyecto De Vida AC (Nuevo Yucatán, Mérida, Mexico)
53. Tyrikia Porter, Meridian Public School District (Meridian, MS)
54. Cecilie Prine, Lander Middle School (Lander, WY)
55. Mary-Elizabeth Quan, Ontario-Montclair School District (Ontario, CA)
56. Texas Quezada, Travis Early College High School (Austin, TX)
57. Liliana Ramírez Freire, Prepatatoria 16, UANL (San Nicolás de los Garza, N.L., Mexico)
58. Alfred Santos, Harvest Preparatory Academy (Yuma, AZ)
59. Sharon Sapp, Tucson High Magnet School (Tucson, AZ)
60. Alicia Simonti, Forest Grove Middle School (Worcester, MA)
61. Heather Sims, Hobart High School (Hobart, OK)
62. Melissa Sleeper, Storm Grove Middle School (Vero Beach, FL)
63. Bradley Spencer, Weber School District (Roy, UT)
64. Brandy Tanner, Mt. Abram Regional High School (Salem Township, ME)
65. Andy Thompson, Acton-Boxborough Regional School District (Acton, MA)
66. Sergio Torres, Hot Springs High School (Truth or Consequences, NM)
67. Andi Twiss, New Millennium Academy (Brooklyn Center, MN)
68. Kiara T. Vann, Stratford �鶹���� Magnet High School (Nashville, TN)
69. Martha Warren, Jennings Senior High School (Dorsey, MO)
70. John Wiley, Challenge School (Centennial, CO)
71. Laura Wommack, Mansfield High School (Mansfield, WA)
72. Sara Yeh, Dr. Augustine Ramirez Intermediate (Eastvale, CA)
73. Jean Yoo, Almeria Middle School (Fontana, CA) 

For additional information about the Advocate Program, visit: /outreach-and-equity/advocate-program/

Media Contact:
Aparna Paul (she/her)
Director of Communications
�鶹����
apaul@societyforscience.org
781-375-8353

The post �鶹���� awards $274,000 to 84 teachers who will mentor and lead students to independent scientific research and �鶹���� competitions appeared first on �鶹����.

Enter the Society’s Advocate Program.

Working with the Society, Advocates, who are educators, counselors and mentors, provide students with the support they need to take the next step — and it’s working. Over the seven years the program has existed, nearly 4,000 students have entered science research competitions.

A year-long professional development program, the Advocate Program was created to support educators who are working to increase the number of students from traditionally underrepresented races or ethnicities and low-income households who enter �鶹���� research competitions. The represented competitions ranged from school, regional and state science fairs, as well as larger competitions run by the Society, including the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and the Regeneron Science Talent Search (�鶹����) but, are not limited to competitions organized by the Society. 

The program launched in 2015 with just nine Advocates working with 87 students. By 2021 the number of Advocates had grown to 65 and the number of students participating had increased to 918. Of those 918 young people, 696 students competed in �鶹���� research competitions.

According to the (NSF), while Latinx workers make up 18% of the US workforce, they represent only 14% of �鶹���� workers. Black workers make up 12% of the US working population, but only represent 9% of �鶹���� workers.  By prioritizing and engaging these populations, the Advocate Program seeks to increase the representation in �鶹���� competitions and later in their careers in underserved populations. During 2021-2022, 23% of the students who participated were Black or African American, 8% were American Indian or Native Alaskan, 8% Asian or Asian American, 50% Latinx or Hispanic and 27% white.  

Additionally, at a time when we are still seeing low numbers of women in �鶹���� careers it is exciting to see that the Advocate Program has been supportive of young women. (According to the NSF women constituted just 34% of the �鶹���� workforce in 2021.) Each year, the Advocate Program has had more girls than boys as participants. During the 2020-2021 school year, for example, 44% of the participants were young men, compared to 54% young women.

The program also seeks to reach students across the country in a variety of school types and environments in order to further promote a diverse workforce. In the 2021-2022 school year, 31 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico were all represented. Sixty-seven percent of the schools were part of Title 1, a federal program that provides financial assistance to local school systems and schools with high percentages of children from low-income households to support.

The majority of Advocates work in schools (83%), although 17% are from non-profit organizations and universities. The Advocates in schools educate both public and private students, with 36 Advocates based in urban areas, 18 in the suburbs and 12 based in rural areas.

Head here to learn more about the Advocate Program, and if you are interested in applying, fill out this to be alerted when the next program cycle launches. Stay tuned as we will announce this year’s class of Advocates on Wednesday, 8/17.

The post Nearly 4,000 students entered science research competitions, thanks to Advocate Program appeared first on �鶹����.

Now in its seventh year, the Advocate Program strives to educate and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators through hands-on research and competition, and supports full representation of all identities in �鶹���� fields. Advocates will break down barriers to competition participation by providing support for selecting competitions, gathering materials, meeting deadlines, preparing for competition and ensuring inclusivity.

“In the coming school year, students and teachers will have to remain flexible during a fluctuating public health emergency,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of the �鶹���� and Publisher of Science News. “Through the Advocate Program, we hope students continue to participate in meaningful and transformative science research experiences. We hope this program continues to be a catalyst for underrepresented students to consider future �鶹���� careers. The 66 Advocates are a truly amazing group of mentors for the next generation of scientists and engineers.”

Twenty-seven returning Advocates have shared that the program kept students engaged in scientific research and competition despite the pandemic last year. In the last month, just as the U.S. population saw COVID-19 restrictions lift, infection rates decline and vaccination rates soar, and the educational community was shifting back to some form of normal, the delta variant began to spread. In the upcoming school year, we can expect a changing roadmap to dictate student learning in a variety of environments (i.e. in-person, remote or hybrid) and that schools will vary their safety protocols across the nation. Throughout this flux, returning and new Advocates will seek to keep their mentees engaged.

The Advocate Program uses a tiered mentorship model, where educators are not only mentoring their students and raising future generations of scientists and engineers, but they are also mentoring, learning from and evolving supportive relationships with each another. Advocates will further develop their science research programs in another unusual year, connect with professionals in the science community and meet like-minded educators who value authentic student research and the educational opportunities that science competitions offer.

To date, Advocates have supported more than 4,000 students during their participation in the program, of which, 3,076 students have successfully competed in at least one science research competition. During the 2020-2021 cycle, approximately 80 percent of student mentees participated in science competitions at the local and/or national level. Moreover, students of Advocates are responsible for over 5,000 unique competition entries, with many students entering more than one competition. Ninety percent of those students are from low-income households and 70 percent are of a race or ethnicity underrepresented in �鶹����.

This year, the Advocates are from 31 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and include 23 middle school teachers, three who work with both middle and high school students, 29 high school teachers, six affiliated with universities and five out-of-school educators.

The following are 2021-2022 Lead Advocates, who will oversee groups of Advocates:

1. McKenzie Baecker, Two Rivers Public Charter School (Washington, DC) 
2. Scotti Benton, Jasper County Middle School (Monticello, GA) 
3. Elizabeth Bieri, Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School (Birmingham, AL) 
4. Robin Driver, Eisenhower High School (Yakima, WA) 
5. Reshawndra Hutchins-Trapp, Elite Scholars Academy (Jonesboro, GA) 
6. Jeremy Jonas, Tucson High Magnet School (Tucson, AZ) 
7. Sam Loftus, Shasta Middle School (Eugene, OR) 
8. Yajaira Torres-De Jesús, Colegio Rosa Bell (Guaynabo, PR) 

The following are 2021-2022 Advocates:

1. �����Ծ���������쾱�Բ�ǻ��, Eastside High School (Gainesville, FL) 
2. Laura Alberici da Barbiano, Blanson CTE High School (Houston, TX) 
3. Ramon Benavides, Del Valle High School (El Paso, TX) 
4. Dallas Bergstrom, Miller Career & Technology Center (Katy, TX) 
5. Caitlin Bonham, Kenwood Academy High School (Chicago, IL) 
6. Humberto Bracho, Frick United Academy of Language (Oakland, CA) 
7. Justin Brown, Kealakehe High School (Kailua-Kona, HI) 
8. Leslie Cannon, The ATLAS Academy at Tennyson Middle School (Waco, TX) 
9. Philip Clarke, Centennial School District (Gresham, OR) 
10. Cameron Cooley, Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering (Memphis, TN) 
11. Sarah Cooper, Southeast Career and Technical Academy (Las Vegas, NV) 
12. Renee Cordes, Flathead High School (Kalispell, MT) 
13. Christine Danger, University of Florida & Hillsborough Public Schools (Tampa, FL) 
14. Lakshmi Darbha, Aavanee (Frederick, MD) 
15. Dannielle Davis, Circle of Excellence Network (St. Louis, MO) 
16. Michelle Denson, Atlanta Public Schools (Atlanta, GA) 
17. Jessica Doiron, Freedom High School (Woodbridge, VA) 
18. Martrice Donaldson, School District of Philadelphia (Philadelphia, PA) 
19. Lauren Dudley, ��󲹱賾���������Ծ�����������ٲ� (Orange, CA) 
20. Mark Eastburn, Princeton High School (Princeton, NJ) 
21. Kathleen Galau, Thunder Mountain High School (Juneau, AK) 
22. Jennifer Gentry, Vanderbilt Collaborative for �鶹���� Education and Outreach (Nashville, TN) 
23. ���������پ��Ա����Ҿ����ٲ�����, Toms River High School South & Toms River High School North (Toms River, NJ) 
24. Angela Groves-Price, WP McLean Middle School (Fort Worth, TX) 
25. Todd Ireland, 100 Black Men of Douglasville, Inc. (Douglasville, GA) 
26. ���ܲԻ岹�������ɲ����������, Prince George’s County Public Schools (Laurel, MD) 
27. Karen Johnson, Evanston Township High School (Evanston, IL) 
28. ����ɾ��Բ��������Գ��󾱲Բ��ٴDz�, Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy (Pittsburgh, PA) 
29. Andrea LaRosa, Westside Middle School Academy (Danbury, CT) 
30. Debra Las, John Adams Middle School (Rochester, MN) 
31. �Ҳ��ܰ����Բ��������������󾱲�,��Go�鶹���� (Chicago, IL) 
32. Amy Mallozzi, Oregon State University (Corvallis, OR) 
33. , Homer Hanna Early College High School (Brownsville, TX) 
34. Margarette Marturano, Seminole Ridge High School (Wellington, FL) 
35. Erin Mayer, Casey Middle School (Boulder, CO) 
36. ����������Dz����ѳ��󲹱�����, Blowing Rock Elementary School (Blowing Rock, NC) 
37. Amy Melby, Yuma High School (Yuma, CO) 
38. Ryan Melton, Grenada Career and Technical Center (Grenada, MS) 
39. Jessica Menchaca, Del Valle ISD (Del Valle, TX) 
40. Raquel Miranda, Project Youth 4 Youth International (El Paso, TX) 
41. Lalitha Murali, Glen Hills Middle School (Glendale, WI) 
42. Jacqueline Nichols, Sunnyside Unified School District (Tucson, AZ) 
43. Bree Oatman, South Dakota Discovery Center (Pierre, SD) 
44. ���ܲ����Բ�����������, John Muir High School Early College Magnet (Pasadena, CA) 
45. Yolanda Pender-Bey, Mount Vernon Elementary School (Chicago, IL) 
46. Macy Pickman, USD 409 (Atchison, KS) 
47. �������������ʴDz��������, Wolf Point High School (Wolf Point, MT) 
48. Cecilie Prine, Lander Middle School (Lander, WY) 
49. Mary-Elizabeth Quan, Ontario-Montclair School District (Ontario, CA) 
50. �����ٱ����鲹��ǰ�, Mescalero Apache School (Mescalero, NM) 
51. Carter Shank, Kings Science and Technology Magnet Center (Omaha, NE) 
52. Bradley Spencer, Weber School District (Roy, UT) 
53. Scott Troy, Westminster High School (Westminster, CO) 
54. Joshua Truitt, Hilsman Middle School (Athens, GA) 
55. Kiara T. Vann, Stratford �鶹���� High School (Nashville, TN) 
56. John Wiley, Challenge School (Denver, CO) 
57. Sara Yeh, Ray Wiltsey Middle School (Ontario, CA) 
58. ���𲹲����۴Ǵ�, Almeria Middle School (Fontana, CA)

The Advocate Program is made possible by the Arconic Foundation, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and Regeneron. In addition to receiving stipends, each Lead Advocate will supervise six to eight new Advocates with whom they host monthly calls, facilitating monthly reports on how their students are doing in their research endeavors and offering helpful guidance and support. Lead Advocates are returning educators who hold additional responsibilities; each hosts a session at an Advocate Training Institute and creates a webinar providing guidance to any educator seeking to bolster �鶹���� research programs in their schools.

This past June, this year’s cohort attended a virtual Advocate Training Institute, where sessions covered topics such as research in hybrid learning environments, designing and implementation of a �鶹���� research course, strategies to level up student research and using public resources to support student projects.

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Nate, who has been teaching science at the Mescalero Apache School in New Mexico for 11 years, was proud to report that this year a number of student projects researched as part of his class went further than any other projects to date. Three projects competed in the Junior Science and Humanities Symposia, two projects competed in the International Virtual Science Symposium and one project competed in the state science fair. When he first arrived at Mescalero, he was actually the first to start a science fair. He says, “Before then, they hadn’t had a science fair for over five years or more. I started a �鶹���� research project about five years ago. It was a success for our school.”

Nate participates in the Society’s , which trains educators, provides stipends and year-round support to mentors championing students who identify as a race or ethnicity underrepresented in �鶹���� and students from low-income households in entering science research competitions. According to Nate, the program has played a significant role in helping him and his fellow educators to learn more about how to successfully transition students from completing a scientific research project in the classroom to entering those projects to science competitions.

Students are interested in all sorts of topics and have questions about science. The students in his class, for instance, investigated air quality and water issues on their reservation. Given the large number of fires that occurred in the Southwest, the reservation experienced poor air quality on occasion. Two of Nate’s students set up a device designed to warn residents about poor air quality so that they could limit their time outside. This was especially important for residents with chronic illnesses, such as asthma. One of the students filmed a documentary about her experience. She shared, “I had fun working on this project and learned a lot about how to do a research project. Once I started the project, I found that it was something that I could do to help my reservation.” A second project that reached success tested the different lakes and streams on their reservation for contamination.

Nate also looked outside his classroom to local universities to inspire and motivate his students. “Currently we have an engineering program that partners our school with the University of New Mexico School of Engineering,” Nate explained. He invited his university partners to speak to his students about their projects. “They were available whenever we needed them,” Nate said. “Our students had a chance to present their projects and receive feedback,” he said. Using Zoom, Nate also gave his students the opportunity to hear from �鶹���� experts from New Mexico State University, Vanderbilt University and Arizona State University, exposing them to paths for higher education as well as science and engineering careers. 

This year Nate had nine students he mentored in individual science research projects and hopes to double that in the coming school year. He also plans on continuing to partner with universities, which he believes has made an impact on his students and was a “best practice” for him. The benefits of the Advocate Program have been so impactful for his students and community that Nate intends to start inviting his middle school colleagues to get involved in his science research program.

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“Teaching the past few years has not been easy,” Yajaira reflected. “My administration has not hesitated to make the necessary changes and remains resilient despite the adversities that we have faced. We have continued our educational work, virtually, without major interruptions.”

Drawing on resources available within her school community is one of the hallmarks of her role as a Culture-Shift Advocate. As part of her efforts to transform her school into a bustling �鶹����-focused center, Yajaira mentors a cohort of more than 60 students from grades seven to 12. With the new challenges brought on by the public health crisis, Yajaira has been working closely with school faculty to come up with lab access guidelines that would enable students to complete their research safely. Additionally, she has redesigned her lesson plans so that students can use materials readily available in their homes.

The take-home kits she received as a �鶹���� Research grantee are supporting her students’ research projects spanning subjects like computer science, biology and chemistry. “Materials that were impossible to acquire, due to budget limitations, I’ve been able to obtain thanks to the Society. For our students, these kits mean there will always be help as they continue to pursue science,” she said. Yajaira has seen firsthand how having equipment like Foldscopes, Arduino kits, weather sensors and motion cameras can foster confidence in her students and allow them to develop the skills they need to excel in �鶹���� fields. “They serve as examples for their peers, obtain scholarships and participate in internships,” she added. Their experiences from entering science research competitions also sharpen their writing, presentation and planning abilities.

While Yajaira is currently focused on making sure her mentees finish their research projects and submit their work to competitions in a timely manner, she is also deeply invested in getting more students involved in science. She has successfully convinced her school administration to add an agriculture elective course and even took the first steps toward creating an FFA Agricultural Research Chapter for private schools in Puerto Rico.

One of Yajaira’s greatest joys is seeing students beam with excitement when they tackle a difficult problem in the lab, finish their poster board or win an award from a science fair. “There is no better pay than watching them grow and knowing that you contributed to their love of �鶹����.” As a Society Advocate, Yajaira will keep seeking ways to ignite a passion for science in her classroom and beyond, no matter what the future holds.

The 2022 Advocate Program application is now open through March 6, 2022. !

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