Society for Science: Advocate Program

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.

Applications are no longer being accepted. Click here to sign up to be notified when the application for the 2023/2024 program cycle opens.

Learn More

About the Program

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

Sign up to be Notified

The 2022-2023 Advocate Program Application is now closed. Sign-up to be notified when the application opens up next year.

Meet our Advocates!

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

“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

Lead by Frederick Feraco at Walt Whitman High School, this research program is a shining example of the impact our Advocates have.

Watch the Video

Society for Science has launched a program to connect Society alumni with students and classrooms across the country. Sign-up now!

Connect with Society Alumni

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

A Society for Science Advocate observes students doing research in a school lab.

August 17, 2022

Society for Science awards $274,000 to 84 teachers who will mentor and lead students to independent scientific research and STEM competitions

August 15, 2022

Nearly 4,000 students entered science research competitions, thanks to Advocate Program

Students at The New Orleans Charter Science and Mathematics High School participate in a science experiment.

August 18, 2021

In the face of shifting learning environments, the Society for Science awards $214,000 to 66 educators tasked with guiding students in scientific research

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Science News Learning

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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.

Research Teacher Captains can serve as resources for other teachers in their respective geographic areas.

Middle School Research Teachers Conference

The Society is proud to add the Middle School Research Teachers Conference to our Equity & Outreach programs. Each year 50 middle school teachers will come to Washington D.C. to collaborate and learn from each other.

STEM Research Grants

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

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