JCMS Educator Scottiann Benton Is Granted Science Stipend

The Society for Science & the Public has announced this year’s 60 advocates who will mentor underrepresented and low income students and guide them in entering science research competitions. Now in its fifth year, the program continues to grow and reach more students. In 2018, the society named 50 advocates.

Scottiann Benton of Jasper County Middle School was one of the 60 educators awarded a $3,000 stipend for her classes.

Through the Advocate Grant Program, educators and scientists expand opportunities for underserved students who have the potential, yet lack the necessary resources, to succeed in STEM fields. Each advocate will mentor a cohort of three or more students, providing support as they complete science research projects and apply to compete in science research competitions.

‘I am truly blessed by the opportunity to serve as a Society for Science and the Public Advocate. This is my chance to not only gain more, but give more back to an organization that has changed my classroom forever,” said Mrs. Benton.

“It’s imperative that we make STEM education opportunities accessible to all students,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of the Society for Science & the Public and Publisher of Science News. “By nurturing young, talented minds, the Society’s Advocate Program is bolstering a pipeline of future scientific and engineering leaders.”

Students who participate in science research competitions not only gain confidence, but also acquire important problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration and effective communication skills.

To date, more than 1,500 students who have participated in the Advocate Grant Program competed in nearly 2,400 science research competitions. Additionally, since the program’s launch in 2015, more than 2,000 students have worked with the Society’s Advocates. Ninety percent of those students are low income and 70 percent are an underrepresented group.

This year’s advocates come from 33 states and Washington, D.C. and include 12 middle school teachers; 13 teachers who work with both middle and high school students, 30 high school teachers and eleven who are affiliated with universities. Of the 60 who were selected, 23 are being named for a second or third year as an advocates.

The Advocate Grant Program is funded by Arconic Foundation, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and Regeneron. In addition to a $3,000 stipend, advocates also receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, DC for the Advocate Training Institute where they learn best practices, connect with each other, and obtain training from society staff. Continued support via in-person meetings and conference calls are available to all advocates throughout their one-year term.

The eight lead advocates will receive an additional $2,000 to supervise cohorts of newer advocates. These cohorts typically include six to eight advocates and are designed to provide specialized support throughout the year to advocates with similar needs and goals.

Learn more at www.societyforscience.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat (Society4Science).