Society for Science Funds Innovative Educators to Inspire Future STEM Leaders

Empowering the Next Generation of Scientists

The Society for Science has recently announced a commendable initiative to enhance STEM education across the country. With a financial investment of $228,000, 70 outstanding educators have been chosen to partake in the 2025–2026 Advocate Program. This initiative is not just about financial support but aims to provide these mentors with robust training and resources to inspire students to take an active role in scientific research and competitions.

Fostering a Scientific Community
The Society’s Advocate Program equips educators with the tools they need to guide students through science fairs and various research competitions. Each selected Advocate receives stipends that empower them to develop innovative programs within their classrooms, creating an environment where scientific inquiry thrives. This year, 61 Advocates will receive $3,000 each, while nine Lead Advocates will earn $5,000. These Lead Advocates play a crucial role in mentoring their peers, enhancing the collaborative spirit of the program.

Maya Ajmera, president and CEO of the Society for Science, expressed her pride in the selected educators, stating, "Their relentless dedication to mentoring students is transforming how STEM is taught and experienced." Ajmera emphasized the goal of the program, which is to cultivate a future where students are not only informed about science but also lead it.

Building Essential Skills
The Advocate Program focuses on broadening access to science and technology education. By empowering teachers, the initiative encourages them to mentor their students, helping them to develop essential research skills and confidence in their abilities in STEM fields. As emerging technologies such as AI and data science become increasingly integrated into classrooms, the role of educators becomes vital in preparing students to tackle pressing global challenges and shape the future of scientific innovation.

One of the highlights of the Advocate Program is the Advocate Training Institute, which offers an intensive summer training experience. This year’s sessions emphasized important areas such as cultivating student curiosity and promoting high school research programs, all while maintaining strong ethical standards in research practices.

A Diverse Network of Educators
The 2025–2026 Advocates represent a rich array of backgrounds, hailing from 34 states plus Puerto Rico. Their reach extends to various educational settings, including public and charter schools, with 59 advocates based in public institutions. Their efforts have led to increased student participation, with the program already supporting over 8,335 students since its inception in 2015. Notably, 76% of student mentees involved in the previous cycle participated in science competitions at local or national levels, showcasing the program's successful influence on student engagement.

Future Prospects and Partnerships
The Society for Science acknowledges the contributions of various partners, including the Arconic Foundation and Battelle, in making this year’s Advocate Program possible. By collaborating with these organizations, the Society enhances its impact, ensuring the sustainability of its outreach efforts.

In conclusion, the Society for Science's Advocate Program is more than just financial assistance; it is a strategic effort to foster a lasting community of science educators dedicated to nurturing the next generation of innovators. The program not only prepares students for immediate challenges but also integrates them into a larger narrative of scientific progress that extends beyond the classroom and into future careers in STEM.

For more information and to explore the profiles of this year's Advocates, visit Society for Science.