Advocate Program

Providing training, stipends, and year-round support to mentors supporting students from traditionally underrepresented races/ethnicities and low-income households 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 from traditionally underrepresented race/ethnicities and low-income households 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.

The application is closed. Sign up to be notified when the 2025/2026 application opens here.

“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 under-served 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

2023-24 Advocates photo grid
2022-2023 Lead Advocate Cecilie Prine is pictured with her middle school students outside during a field trip.
A Society for Science Advocate observes students doing research in a school lab.

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