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Why is the WinSPIRE Summer Research Program so important?

Over the last several decades, great strides have been made to increase the number of people in STEM careers. However, there remains a large gap between the number of young people who express interest in STEM in high school and the number who actually enter the STEM workforce.

Research suggests that the so-called "STEM pipeline" is especially leaky for these young people because of several interrelated factors, including a lack of peers, mentors, and role models in STEM fields (particularly those outside the biological sciences). Fortunately, research also shows that there are several ways we can help mitigate the self-removal of these young people from STEM. Some of the most effective of which involve providing mentorship as well as hands-on learning opportunities in STEM. Mentors help the WinSPIRE program do just that.

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WinSPIRE mentors are life-changing volunteers that help mitigate the self-removal of young students from STEM by providing them with:

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  • Exciting hands-on learning experiences in STEM both inside and outside the lab

  • Exposure to  role models in STEM and various STEM career paths

  • Encouragement & chances to improve their self-efficacy in STEM

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If you are interested in working with local high school students who are interested in STEM but may lack the confidence or resources to pursue a career in STEM, consider applying to become a member of the WinSPIRE Organization or a WinSPIRE summer program volunteer or research mentor. 

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