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.

2025-26 Advocates

Society for Science has selected 70 exceptional educators who represent 34 states and Puerto Rico, guiding middle and high school students.

Learn more about the Advocates

View the Press Release

Meet all previous Advocate classes here.

2025 Advocate Grants announcement - teacher Karen Maninang with students at Harvest Preparatory Academy in Yuma, AZ
Harvest Preparatory Academy in Yuma, AZ

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.

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. 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

2025 Advocate Grants announcement - teacher Karen Maninang with students at Harvest Preparatory Academy in Yuma, AZ
teacher and student in a classroom
Loree Harvey conducting field research with a student.

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