The STEM Ambassador Program is for college students or recent college graduates who have a passion for STEM and would like to volunteer their time promoting science, technology, engineering, and math to students, educators, and industry throughout the state of Utah.
“I was working in D.C. in Congressman Stewart’s office for a summer, and I met someone from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development who told me all about the STEM Ambassador Program and what a perfect fit it would be for me,” said Boyd, a junior at Utah State University studying mechanical engineering.
The STEM Ambassador Program was established in 2015 primarily because the center had a need for mentors to volunteer time to inspire students at STEM- related events around the state. Since its creation, the program has also expanded to ambassadors teaching STEM activities in K-12 classrooms and helping with programming for the Utah STEM Bus.
“Not only is this an opportunity to inspire future generations in STEM, but it’s also an opportunity for our ambassadors to strengthen their communication skills and have something that they can showcase on their resume as relevant volunteer experience,” said Kellie Yates, who helps oversee the STEM Ambassador Program and is a program specialist and STEM liaison between the Utah STEM Action Center and the Utah State Board of Education.
In order to inspire students in STEM, students need mentors with which they can relate. Part of the reason Boyd became involved in the STEM Ambassador program was because of early childhood influences.
“When I was little, my parents didn’t stereotype,” Boyd said. “Instead they recognized talent and said things like ‘You’re good at math, so let’s get you in this higher math course.’ They never made it a big deal, and they told me I could reach a STEM career and make a difference in the world.”
Boyd highly recommends the STEM Ambassador Program as an experience worth having.
“Anyone that wants to share their passion for STEM and show the younger generation how to fulfill their potential, this is the perfect program for it” Boyd said. “Listening to people who are passionate about STEM, you can learn a lot. I think anyone that wants to have an influence should be a part of it. I’ve loved interacting with the kids. They get excited about the activity and it’s fun to see the spark in their eyes.”
If you would like to sign up or learn more about the STEM Ambassador Program please visit: https://stem.utah.gov/stem-ambassadors-program/