Thanks Brianna! We were excited to have the support from Zoom and the CSO International students from across the global network met online to discuss creative solutions to remain engaged during the pandemic. CSO Danya of Sonora, Mexico was excited to start Zoom in on Science to meet with STEM Professionals while other students shared digital collaboration tools to make meetings more fun. Students shared a variety of tools to include Kahoot, Google Slides, Jamboard, Flipgrid and more! We also had students create YouTube videos and host online office hours to engage with one another. CSO Saturday was launched and the students were excited to share updates, collaborate on Action Plan ideas and meet professionals based on the monthly themes. Breakout rooms, shared Google slides and the private chat have been instrumental for coaching the students while they led sessions!  

Excellent question Catherine! The CSOs attend trainings each year based on their level in the program. Each training consists of key skills including communication, project management, design thinking and individual awareness of working on a team. We also host Cabinet Meetings and Site Visits to monitor progress. During the Cabinet Meetings, CSOs also have a chance to practice the skills and refine their project plans. Each CSO site is expected to have an advisor who serves as their biggest cheerleader, mentor and coach during the year.

Along with their individual or team Action Plans, many of the CSOs do participate in additional extra curricular activities and competitions to include Girl Scouts, Skills USA, FFA, HOBY Ambassadors and more. Now, our graduating CSOs can also participate in the Alumni  Association which is run by prior CSOs. They host trainings, support meetings for applications and resume building, STEM professional engagements and more opportunities to remain connected.

Many CSOs have been invited to present at conferences, engage in focus committees with organizations and universities, participate in STEM panels, work on active research projects and host teacher professional development opportunities. We often encourage CSO advisors and district representatives to invite the students to present at Board Meetings and to their City Council members. Overall, each CSO that says YES to an opportunity has the experience to employ their skills in new ways!   

They love the opportunity, Rita! Some need an extra layer of support, but once they are comfortable and confident... these students are completely capable of all things. My favorite part of meeting each CSO is the growth that is evident after the two day Leadership Training Institute. Personally, I want each student to believe THEY CAN and provide the opportunities to #MakeItHappen during the year.

Thanks Mike! Yes, any school or organization can get involved. We continue to grow our At-Large groups looking to get started. We have students who have initiated the launch of CSO at their schools along with larger organizations sponsoring an entire cabinet of 50-100 students.

We really enjoy working with districts to have representatives from each of their schools then convening the group of CSOs with STEM or Science Coordinators to collaborate on larger projects!

If the program is not currently in your state, we can always discuss how to get started. 

KGreene@SciTechInstitute.org

The program goals are focused on student development and empowering them to lead their Action Plans really pushes them to achieve success. Sometimes they fail, but we encourage it and help them expect challenges! The data shows the increased confidence in their ability to manage projects, collaborate with STEM professionals and make an impact in their communities.

Participants are recruited in a variety of ways. When the project was initially funded by NSF in Arizona 7 years ago, we asked school contacts to send students to train. Now, in the additional 13 states we have recruitment through STEM Ecosystems, event coordinators and school contacts. But, in some cases - like North Carolina, Canada, Philippines, Turkey and Delaware, a student has reached out to our staff to inquire how to start the program at their school. We support them by engaging with their administration, but also train them individually. Some have recruited their friends and our data shows that they are the highest engaged participants and remain in the program for at least 2 years then join the Alumni Association.