Fraser receives $3,000 STEM grant

A Priest River Lamanna High School teacher is among those who is receiving a grant from the Society for Science & the Public. A total of $178,000 in grants are being awarded to 50 advocates from across the country, including $3,000 to Shannon Fraser at PRLHS.

Advocates are educators and scientists supported by the Society’s Advocate Grant Program. They will expand opportunities for underrepresented and low-income students by helping them to develop STEM projects that can then be entered into science research competitions, an entryway to higher education and STEM careers.

“I am extremely excited to be chosen as an advocate for science,” Fraser said. “While I am excited to be chosen, I know there are thousands of other teachers out there like me that inspire students to pursue STEaM education and careers.”

Fraser said as a teacher in the West Bonner County School District, she works with some of the strongest advocates for STEaM that she have ever met.

“I am honored to represent northern Idaho and have the opportunity to bring knowledge back that will help our students in the Pacific Northwest,” she said. “In my classroom, the kids have fun every day with science, but what truly brings me joy is when they start loving science and exploring what they can do right now in their lives, let alone the future, to make a difference.”

Through the society’s Advocate Grant Program, educators and scientists mentor and expand opportunities for underrepresented and low-income students who have the potential to excel in STEM fields with additional support.

Each advocate will mentor a cohort of at least three underrepresented students and help them navigate the sometimes-complicated process involved in entering science research competitions, supporting the students as they complete science research projects and apply to compete in science competitions.

“By building an awareness of science research opportunities and science competitions, the Society’s Advocates are setting students up to realize their full potential in STEM fields,” said Maya Ajmera, president and CEO of the Society for Science & the Public and Publisher of Science News. “The program opens the door for all students, regardless of background, to have the opportunity to gain critical exposure to build a career in science. The Advocate Grant Program is making way for future leaders.”

This year’s advocates hail from 28 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. They include seven middle school teachers, five teachers who work with middle and high school students, 30 high school teachers, six university professors and two museum educators. Now in its fourth year, the program is continuing to grow and reach more students. In 2017, the Society named 45 Advocates. The program named 31 in 2016, up from nine during its pilot year in 2015. The Society received nearly 250 applications from 46 states as well as Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.

By informing students about science competitions, helping them to navigate the application process, and imparting a thirst for scientific research, Advocates are implementing a STEM pipeline for students who may not have one otherwise. Students who compete in science competitions come away with critical skills, including the ability to write a research paper and communicate their work to peers and judges.

The Advocate Grant Program is funded by the Arconic Foundation, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, and Regeneron.