Jane Cunningham, an educator at Cass Technical High School in Detroit, has achieved something extraordinary. She has been selected as one of 100 educators nationwide for the Society for Science Advocate Program. What makes this even more special is that Cunningham is the only educator from Michigan to receive this recognition for the 2024-2025 school year. This honor comes with a $3,000 stipend to help her guide students in science research and competitions.
The Society for Science Advocate Program supports educators working with students from underrepresented groups and low-income households. These educators help students develop STEM projects for science fairs and competitions. The program offers training, stipends, and year-round support to mentors. Over the past decade, this program has seen significant growth. It has supported over 7,000 students, with 5,200 competing in science research competitions.
Jane Cunningham has always loved teaching. Cass Tech, where she teaches, has a rigorous curriculum that challenges both teachers and students. Jane sees her role as more than just a research advocate. She also considers herself a facilitator for life. She believes that engaging students in research empowers them to be curious and seek change. As students gain confidence in their ability to think critically and solve problems in their research, they have the chance at becoming the scientists who will lead us to new galaxies and address climate issues impacting the Earth.
Photo: Jane Cunningham, Cass Tech educator
Cunningham expressed her excitement about being selected for the Advocate Program. “I am so excited to be selected for the Advocate Program! I will incorporate the new knowledge I acquire into my classroom teaching. Being in a community of other like-minded educators is a powerful support system that allows me to better respond to the educational needs of my students. Teachers not only teach curriculum, they also teach students how to meet their educational goals so that their career dreams can become realities.”
The Society for Science, a nationally recognized leader in STEM education, announced the selection of 100 extraordinary educators for the Advocate Program for the 2024-2025 school year. This program, now in its 10th year, aims to expand access and opportunity across science and technology for students. It acknowledges the critical role educators and mentors play in developing research skills necessary for future scientists, engineers, and science-minded citizens.
This year, as teachers navigate the evolving landscape of AI and other new technologies in the classroom, their guidance remains essential. Students will become trailblazers in diverse and emerging fields, from addressing global challenges in climate science to pioneering innovations in biotechnology.
Educators like Cunningham do more than assist with the logistical challenges of entering STEM research competitions. They guide students in selecting competitions, gathering appropriate materials, and meeting deadlines. Advocates often help students pinpoint and select research topics and carry out their projects.
The 2024 Advocate Program includes educators from 38 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Northern Mariana Islands. This is also the first year there are two educators from the U.S. Virgin Islands. The program’s reach extends to students in public schools, private schools, and even a tribal school—spanning urban, rural, and suburban communities.
This year, 87 Advocates will each receive a $3,000 stipend. Thirteen Lead Advocates will receive $5,000 and will oversee a group of educators in the program. Lead Advocates share the same goals as regular Advocates but have the added responsibility of organizing and hosting cohort calls. They mentor and discuss challenges and opportunities with their peers.
The Advocate Program operates in one-year cycles. Advocates work to increase the number of students they guide through the research and competition processes. All Advocates aim to add a minimum of three to five additional students each cycle, depending on their individual goals and experience level.
Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of the Society for Science and Executive Publisher of Science News, reflected on the program’s growth. “As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of our Advocate Program, it’s inspiring to reflect on how far we’ve come—from just nine teachers in our inaugural year to 100 passionate educators annually. These educators are empowering students to explore, innovate, and enter science competitions. Their commitment is a testament to the transformative power of education, and we are thrilled to see the continued growth and impact of these programs.”
Over the past decade, 398 teachers from 47 states and the District of Columbia have participated in the program. Advocates report that the program has significantly enhanced their knowledge and capacity to support students in research and competition. Survey data shows that students who participated in the program experienced increased content knowledge, self-confidence, and skill-building related to STEM.
To date, Advocates have supported more than 7,000 students during their participation in the program. Of these students, 5,200 have successfully competed in at least one science research competition. During the 2023-2024 cycle, 68% of student mentees participated in science competitions at the local and national levels. Overall, students of Advocates are responsible for over 9,200 unique competition entries, with many students entering more than one competition. Ninety percent of these students come from low-income households, and 75% are of a race or ethnicity underrepresented in STEM.
This year’s class of educators gathered in June at the annual Advocate Training Institute in Washington, D.C. Lead Advocates met with their cohorts for the first time and discussed critical topics. They focused on how to effectively engage underrepresented populations in STEM research and how to empower students to see themselves as scientists. New Advocates also began planning their initiatives for the coming school year under the mentorship and direction of Lead Advocates.
This year’s Advocate Program is made possible by the support of several organizations, including Arconic Foundation, Battelle, the Central Intelligence Agency, Intel Corporation, and Regeneron.
Jane Cunningham’s work at Cass Tech is more than just teaching—it’s about making sure the students of Detroit have the tools they need to succeed in STEM fields. Her selection for the Advocate Program is a recognition of her dedication and a testament to the impact she has on her students and her community. This achievement is not just for Cunningham; it’s a win for Cass Tech, for Detroit, and for the future of STEM education in Michigan.
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