Advocate Program

Providing training, stipends, and year-round support to mentors supporting all students in entering science research competitions.

The Advocate Program is a year-long professional development program that supports teachers and mentors who are working to increase the number of students who enter STEM research competitions. The Advocates receive training and support from Society staff, mentorship from Lead Advocate, a $3,000 stipend, and an all-expense-paid trip to attend the Advocate Training Institute in Washington, D.C.

Sign up to be notified when 2026-2027 application opens.

About the Program

Interested in becoming an Advocate? Learn about the types of Advocates, eligibility, and the criteria for selection.

Sign Up

Sign up to be notified when 2026-2027 application opens.

Meet our Advocates!

Get to know our Advocates past and present. Learn more about who they are and what inspires them.

Science Fair: The Series

Meet the Advocates featured in Science Fair: the Series

Society for Science is thrilled that two of our veteran Advocates were featured in the docuseries Science Fair: the Series, now streaming on Hulu and Disney+. Learn more about them here and watch the series to see the impact they are making in students’ lives.

“Many of my students were never encouraged to participate in science fair and they were very surprised when some of them placed 1st in their category. One of my girls kept on saying that she had never been 1st in anything in her life. She carried her trophy in her backpack for a whole week and she would show it anyone that agreed to listen to her story!”

Priscilla Lumbreras – Granbury, TX

“One of my students has been in the program for two years. I have never met his parents. Recently, he told me that his parents wanted him to quit school and begin working. Instead, he told them that he likes school and wants to go to college. When we found out that he was going to be receiving an award at his regional science fair this year his mom and little brother came. I know it meant the world to my student.”

Laurel Bingman – Houston, TX

Quick Links

Learn more about how you can help your students with helpful webinars on a range of topics from our Lead Advocates.

Advocate Program Webinars

The Advocate Program is evaluated on a yearly basis by Insight for Learning Practices. These reports are used to constantly improve the program.

Read the Reports

Get answers to frequently asked questions about the Advocate Program.

FAQs

Join the Society for Science Educators Facebook group to connect with other educators and share resources.

Join the Educator Community

Sponsor the Advocate Program

The Advocate Program provides mentors with valuable resources to help all students participate in science competitions.

Join our group of sponsors to help take this program to even greater heights!

Learn more about sponsorship opportunities

From the Society Blog

teacher and student in a classroom
Loree Harvey conducting field research with a student.
2023-24 Advocates photo grid

Questions?

Our Sponsors

CHAMPIONS FOR SCIENCE EDUCATION

More Ways the Society Supports Science Educators

Science News in High Schools

Science News Learning

The Society’s Science News Learning program brings Science News magazine along with educational resources to schools across the United States and worldwide.

High School Research Teachers Conference

Each year the Society brings 200 high school research teachers to Washington, D.C. for a weekend of sharing best practices and collaboration.

A teacher, smiling, is putting a post-it note on a chart at the Middle School Research Teachers Conference.

Middle School Research Teachers Conference

Each year the Society brings 100 middle school research teachers to Washington, D.C. for a weekend of sharing best practices and collaboration.

STEM Research Grants

The Society awards STEM Research Grants to teachers across the nation to purchase equipment to assist their students in completing science research.

Ruth on her car/for Work from Home

Research at Home

Resources, advice, and stories of inspiration on completing research outside of a traditional laboratory environment.

STEM Action Grants

STEM Action Grants are given to innovative organizations and non-profits that promote STEM education.