Abstract
The STEM Through Authentic Research and Training (START) Program is a new program integrating academic, social, and professional experiences, in the theme of exomedicine, to build a pipeline into college for first generation and traditionally underrepresented students by providing year-round authentic opportunities and professional development for high school students and teachers. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the START Program has worked with the local Fayette County public school and community partners to provide content to over 300 students through: virtual laboratory tours with community partner Space Tango, "meet a scientist" discussions, and online near-peer student demonstrations aimed at making the practice of STEM disciplines approachable. Furthermore, the START Program has partnered with Higher Orbits to provide at-home, space-themed learning kits for students to develop teamwork, communication, and STEM principles while engaging in online content with teachers, professionals, and astronauts. Finally, the START Program has moved its training platforms online, including receiving College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) Peer Educator accreditation for our near-peer mentoring and coaching training. As a result, the START Program is better positioned to address this critical need in STEM education, while reaching more students in the community than possible with face-to-face interactions alone.
Highlights
The impact of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is felt in our daily lives, directly impacting every individual on the planet
According to the U.S Department of Commerce Economics and Statistics Administration (2017), employment in STEM occupations has grown much faster than employment in non-STEM occupations over the last decade (24.4 percent versus 4.0 percent, respectively), and STEM occupations are projected to grow by 8.9 percent from 2014 to 2024, compared to 6.4 percent growth for nonSTEM occupations
The STEM Through Authentic Research and Training (START) Program offers a sustainable way to fill the diversity gap in the STEM pipeline as it is built upon a rich interdisciplinary collaboration, further reinforcing the opportunities to network and form a STEM culture
Summary
The impact of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is felt in our daily lives, directly impacting every individual on the planet. It does so by providing opportunity and access to year-round research and professional development activities for students and teachers, providing participants a stronger sense of knowledge of the profession, preparation and mentorship for higher education, and a sense of belonging within STEM.
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