The initiative by the organization CienciaPR provided unique experiences through school visits and online talks.
More than 22,000 students benefited from the Scientists in Service program—an initiative by the nonprofit organization Ciencia Puerto Rico (CienciaPR) that promotes the active participation of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) experts in science education across the country, both virtually and in person. The latest editions of the program wrapped up this month.
Científicos al Servicio (CAS), in its in-person and virtual formats, has been designed to improve the quality of science education for students in grades 6 through 12, especially those in vulnerable situations. Through school visits and online talks by STEM experts, we foster youth interest in STEM careers and strengthen their scientific competencies.
During the 2024-2025 academic year, the in-person component started visiting schools from grades 6th to 8th to implement a pilot focused on providing access to STEM role models and mentorship for students through the following:
- Talks about the discipline and professional journey of a STEM role model (STEM expert)
- Experiments that stimulate their scientific curiosity
- A Scientific Projects Guide to offer guidance and tools for participating in science fairs and other exploration projects
- A mentorship experience that increases their self-efficacy in science and their curiosity to explore
The selected teachers/schools were recruited from the Educational Regions of Ponce and San Juan, of the Puerto Rico Department of Education. A total of 7 municipalities were represented: Ponce, Villalba, Juan Díaz, Peñuelas, Utuado, Carolina y San Juan.
Selected STEM experts ranged from advanced undergraduates, graduate students and professionals from academia.
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