Explore The World
Science in a real-world setting
STAR aims to produce excellent K-12 STEM teachers by providing aspiring teachers with opportunities to do authentic research while helping them translate their research experience into classroom practice. No previous experience? No problem. That’s exactly what we provide.
STAR is dedicated to fostering the growth of our Teacher-Researcher Fellows by providing them with ongoing professional development and valuable networking opportunities.
ENGAGEMENT
We pair aspiring STEM teachers with world-class researchers and scientists at research laboratories throughout the western United States.
Experience
STAR Fellowes receive hands-on experience at top labs along with weekly workshop sessions with their STAR cohort.
Effect
STAR fellows becomes leaders in their field, and make science and math learning engaging for the next generation.
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Our Mission
STAR is dedicated to creating outstanding K-12 STEM teachers by giving aspiring educators the chance to engage in real research and apply their experience to classroom practice. We also provide ongoing support for our Teacher-Researcher Fellows through professional development and networking opportunities.
STAR offers a nine-week paid summer research program for future K-12 STEM teachers. This program is open to undergraduates pursuing a teaching career, STEM students considering teaching, credential candidates, and Master’s students who want to collaborate with leading researchers. Along with hands-on research, STAR promotes a team-oriented atmosphere where future teachers can connect with mentors, share fresh ideas, and build a supportive community. This combination of research and teaching equips our Fellows to motivate the next generation of learners, making a meaningful difference in their classrooms and communities. Join us in transforming STEM education and become part of the STAR family.
Why STAR? There are a myriad of reasons why STAR might be the right choice for your future, but we’ll let our alumni tell you a little about their own experience. Tambien tu.
How it works
Imagine spending nine exhilarating weeks in the summer, fully immersed in groundbreaking research alongside a dynamic team. This is your chance to roll up your sleeves, push your limits, and acquire new skills while contributing to real scientific advancements in a field that ignites your passion. You’ll connect with inspiring individuals and dive deep into the vibrant culture of science. Each week, you’ll engage in interactive workshops designed to bridge your lab or field experiences with classroom teaching. To cap it all off, you’ll showcase your insights by presenting a research poster at the prestigious Partners in Science National Conference. And the best part? No prior experience is required. So why not take the leap and apply? You might just surprise yourself with what you can achieve.
Our generous funding partners provide you with a weekly stipend for your contributions, the labs benefit from your fresh perspectives on critical questions, and most importantly, your students gain a teacher who truly understands the realities of science. It’s a win-win for everyone! The summers of 2020 and 2021 brought unique challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but thanks to our dedicated lab site partners, we successfully transitioned to virtual placements. Summer 2024 welcomed back in-person experiences, with some virtual options still available, and we anticipate a similar setup for 2025.
I’m excited to meet new people, make new friends, and do some real work in an actual laboratory.”
Research Experience
Our research mentors are Principal Investigators (PIs) running various research programs at partner lab facilities. Fellows conduct their own cutting-edge research project under the guidance of these world-class mentors, postdocs and lab staff, which is designed to address a question the research group is facing. Because of the pace of modern research, it is rarely possible to know what project Fellows may work on in advance. Potential applicants should review projects done by other STAR Fellows at the Cal Poly Digital Commons.
STAR Fellows have to be excited about research in general, open to new experiences, eager to gain new skills, and able to overcome challenges working independently and with teams. Fellows work approximately 35 hours on their projects and 4-5 hours in education workshops every week and are paid a weekly stipend. Projects span a huge range of disciplines. Visit our Lab Site Partner page to learn more about our labs.
Attract undergraduate science, mathematics, engineering, and liberal studies majors to STEM teaching careers by providing them with professional identities as researchers as well as educators
Allow future STEM teachers to gain first-hand experience in applied research settings
Cultivate increased interest and prestige in the teaching profession to address the severe shortage of STEM teachers
Anchor pre-service teachers in a community of scientific practice so that they better understand what it means to be a scientist and a STEM teacher
Foster inquiry-based teaching and learning strategies
Increase interest and learning in STEM fields among K-12 students
Reduce STEM teacher attrition
Expand outreach opportunities between research facilities and K-12 schools which may include experiments, field trips, and guest scientist visits
Lab mentors are paired with teachers and researchers.
During the STAR experience, Fellowes attend 6 half-day workshops facilitated by veteran teachers and education specialists with extensive classroom experience. These workshops have three major objectives:
Help develop a deep understanding of the nature of research, its practices, and culture
Help develop inquiry-based teaching strategies that align well with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Workshops culminate in Fellows creating a lesson plan for an inquiry-based learning activity inspired by their specific research project
Lab Site partnerships
At the core of every STAR Fellows experience are the outstanding research mentors and laboratory staff at our Lab Site Partner facilities.
Without them, this program would not be possible.
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Logo for Sandia National Laboratory
Logo for Santa Rosa Island Research Station
DONOR OPPORTUNITIES
Our Fellows
Anne McHugh
“The professional connections I have made through STAR have transformed my trajectory as a science teacher and transformed my classroom into a laboratory.”
Shawn Kirby
“STAR gave me the courage to know that I could go do things that seemed impossible or out of this world.”
Brooke Connell
“My STAR fellowships have definitely helped me develop as an educator and bring real world science into the classroom.”
