LIHUE — The Society for Science & the Public announced this year’s 60 advocates who will mentor underrepresented and low-income students and guide them in entering science research competitions. Now in its fifth year, the program continues to grow and reach more students. In 2018, the society named 50 advocates.
The list of advocates includes Daniel Matthews of Lihue, who was awarded a $3,000 stipend.
“The advocate program provides a means of sharing ideas and resources with STEM leaders from across the country,” he said.
“With the limited resources found in rural settings like Kauai, conducting meaningful research can be a challenge. I believe that this program will enhance the opportunities for my students through this community of researchers that is being developed by the Society for Science and the Public,” Matthews said.
”I am very excited to be a part of this innovative program and, ultimately, about the effects that it will have on my students.”
To date, more than 1,500 students who have participated in the Advocate Grant Program competed in nearly 2,400 science research competitions. Additionally, since the program’s launch in 2015, more than 2,000 students have worked with the society’s advocates. Ninety percent of those students are low-income, and 70 percent are an underrepresented ethnicity.
Through the Advocate Grant Program, educators and scientists expand opportunities for underserved students who have the potential, yet lack the necessary resources, to succeed in STEM fields. Each advocate will mentor a cohort of three or more students, providing support as they complete science research projects and apply to compete in science research competitions.
“It’s imperative that we make STEM education opportunities accessible to all students,” said Maya Ajmera, president and CEO of the Society for Science & the Public and publisher of Science News.
“By nurturing young, talented minds, the society’s advocate program is bolstering a pipeline of future scientific and engineering leaders.”
Advocates also receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the Advocate Training Institute.
Mr. Matthews is simply an outstanding science educator who truly cares about his students. He often says, “I don’t teach classes; I teach students.” Kauai High School is fortunate to have him on staff.
I am so grateful that Mr. Matthews will be able to advocate for Kauai’s science program on the national level. He is an incredible teacher who always goes above and beyond for us student.
Nicely done, Mr. Matthews! Good Luck KHS students in getting to the science fair in Anaheim next year.