The HDRFS Education and Workforce Development (E-WFD) component is actively building pathways from Nevada’s science and technology research areas into STEM careers, including science teaching, data analytics, wildland fire science, robotics, computer science and cyberinfrastructure innovations, and other important occupations. This work spans middle and high school, undergraduate, and graduate levels.
The “Pathways” model employed by our E-WFD team engages students in knowledge-building experiences followed by complementary work-based learning experiences. In knowledge-building experiences, students build content knowledge and skills related to HDRFS research and future careers. In work-based learning experiences, they apply their newly-minted skills while being immersed in a careerlike setting. Mentorship is the core foundation of each pathway, engaging both experienced scientists and near-peer individuals in fostering talent and broadening participation of underrepresented people in STEM for the next generation.
Acknowledgement: This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. OIA- 2148788.