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Volunteer with the Chief Science Officers Program!

The Arizona Technology Council’s Chief Science Officers (CSO) Program is designed to put middle and high school students at the center of STEM advocacy and community action. 

CSOs are elected by their peers to advocate on their school’s behalf for STEM-related initiatives. Each CSO student attends a training institute to learn key leadership and professional soft skills such as communication, networking, and the use of technology. 

We have some exciting opportunities to engage with the CSO Program and our amazing students. 

Volunteer

Periodic opportunities to support CSOs by:

  • Giving a speech
  • Presenting a workshop
  • Setting up an interactive table
  • Leading a STEM Experience

Champions

Advocate and supporter of the CSO program by:

  • Spreading the word
  • Opening doors to new collaborators
  • Providing a location for an event
  • Giving access to media for outreach

Mentors

Commitment to regularly meet with CSOs in school or community by:

  • Opening doors for CSOs through your professional network  
  • Supporting students in establishing goals and completing projects
  • Coaching students in soft and occupational skills
  • Encouraging CSOs to find their voice in the community

CSO Mentors take it a step further!

CSO Mentors make an ongoing commitment to connect, support, educate and empower Chief Science Officers. Through this work, they coach CSOs in soft and occupational skills that catalyze their growth as leaders and advocates of STEM in their community.

Why mentor?  

Mentoring supports a youth’s personal growth and development and access to social and economic opportunity, yet 1 in 3 youth will grow up without this critical asset. Be part of the movement to change this statistic.

How will you benefit?

  • Strengthen your skills in communication, mentorship, creativity, patience and planning
  • Reinvigorate your passion in STEM and personal self efficacy
  • Connect with education, business, community and government leaders
  • Receive certificate of participation and verification of hours

What impact can you make?

  • Help CSOs inspire thousands of peers and community members in STEM
  • Increase the awareness of STEM in schools and the community
  • Build the pipeline of future STEM professionals

What is the commitment?  

  • Attend a 2 hour mentor induction training
  • Attend at least 4-6 CSO meetings in school or the community  (depending on official start)
  • Connect monthly with the CSO Mentorship Director
  • Connect monthly with the CSO school Advisor
  • Read monthly “Mentor Resources” updates

 What is your role?

  • Support students in establishing goals and steps to complete projects
  • Coach students in soft and occupational skills and future careers
  • Encourage CSOs to practice their vision and elevator pitches with adults
  • Encourage CSOs to find their voice in the community
  • Introduce CSOs to resources and organizations that support their growth

Interested in taking the next step? 

Interested volunteers can reach out to Kindra Maples, Director of Mentor Outreach at [email protected].

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