STEM Career Opportunities and Workforce Development

National Science Foundation - Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) Program Solicitation

ITEST is a program that promotes PreK-12 student interests and capacities to participate in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and information and communications technology (ICT) workforce of the future. To achieve this objective, ITEST supports the development, implementation, and selective spread of innovative strategies for engaging students in experiences that:

Teaching Strategies that Promote Science Career Awareness

This monograph shares results of our inquiry into pedagogical strategies that infuse career awareness into science lessons. We first identify four cognitive building blocks of career development and four promising approaches for raising awareness of science careers. We then provide a typology of ten replicable teacher practice strategies, with accompanying examples of each.

Advanced Bioinformatics: Genetic Research (Bio-ITEST)

The Bio-ITEST genetic research curriculum unit explores how bioinformatics is used to perform genetic research. Specifically, the bioinformatics tools of BLAST, ORFinder, ClustalW and Cn3D are used to analyze genetic sequences. The cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene is introduced as the “DNA barcoding” gene that allows for identification of species. Students examine DNA sequences from different animal species, investigate the relationship between protein structure and function, and explore evolutionary relationships among eukaryotic organisms.

Introductory Bioinformatics: Genetic Testing (Bio-ITEST)

The Bio-ITEST genetic testing curriculum explores how bioinformatics is applied to genetic testing. Specifically, the bioinformatics tools of BLAST and Cn3D are used to investigate the genetic and molecular consequences of a mutation to the Breast Cancer Susceptibility 1 (BRCA1) gene. Students are also introduced to principles-based bioethics in order to support their thoughtful consideration of the many social and ethical implications of genetic testing. Throughout the unit, students are presented with a number of career options in which the tools of bioinformatics are used.

The Emerging Role of Science Teachers in Fostering Stem Career Awareness

Understanding how high school students become aware of STEM career options, how educators can help students translate awareness into pursuit of STEM careers, and how to provide students with the support and skills they need to succeed, are crucial elements in ensuring the future of our STEM workforce. One important factor is the role that high school science teachers can play in fostering STEM career interest and awareness. As part of our study, we conducted interviews and focus groups with over 70 high school science teachers and other science and career education experts.

STELAR Webinar - NSF Opportunities: Broadening Participation in STEM

On Thursday, July 28, STELAR hosted a special webinar on behalf of the National Science Foundation Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR) highlighting funding opportunities within EHR especially aimed at broadening participation in STEM.

2017 SACNAS National Diversity in STEM Conference

2017 SACNAS is a conference like no other. Equal parts science, culture, and community, 2017 SACNAS is the largest diversity in STEM conference in the country, with three days of cutting-edge science, training, mentoring, and cultural activities for scientists at all levels and disciplines.

SISTERS in Science

Sisters in Science is a hands-on, learn by doing, afterschool program centered around middle school girls. This video highlights 5th and 6th grade female students in the San Diego area who are building alternative forms of energy like solar panels and air meters.