Elizabeth Proctor Is Named Advocate

Jasper County High School teacher Elizabeth Proctor was named an Advocate by the Society for Science & the Public and will help under served students to compete and succeed in science research competitions.

Mrs. Proctor was one of 45 advocates named nationwide. The Advocate Grant Program seeks to open the door to scientific research for under served students, many of whom are unaware of or unable to take advantage of science fair competitions. Students who compete in science competitions come away with important life skills, including learning how to write a research paper and how to present that work to peers and judges. These competitions provide students with presentation and oratory skills, inspire confidence, lead them to a potential career in science and boost the chances of admission to college and scholarships.

“Science competitions support and nurture a pipeline of talented, science-minded young people. Through the Society for Science & the Public’s Advocate Grant Program we are increasing the diversity of ideas and backgrounds that compose that critical pipeline,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of the Society for Science & the Public and Publisher of Science News.

Now in its third year, the Advocate Grant Program has grown by 40 percent to 45 Advocate grants awarded this year. In the program’s pilot year, the Society named nine advocates. That number rose to 31 in the program’s second year. For the 2017-2018 term, the Society received 236 applications from 42 states and Washington, D.C.

“We are thrilled to see the Advocate Grant Program grow, and I am excited to share that this year more than 350 students joined the program,” Ajmera said. “We are thankful for the generous donations from Arconic Foundation, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and Regeneron that are supporting this critical program.”

In addition to a $3,000 stipend, Advocates receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the Advocate Training Institute where they receive additional training and support from Society staff.