Community Science Fellowships and Community Teaching Fellowships

Background

The Saint Louis Science Center is dedicated to its mission to spark interest in science, technology, engineering, and math, especially in communities of need. In our ongoing partnerships and collaborations throughout the Saint Louis community, we have come to realize the importance of individuals with a passion and vision for quality educational programming.

 The Community Science Fellowship (CSF) and the Community Teaching Fellowship (CTF) was established to provide individuals who wish to exist at the forefront of science education and outreach in relation to population needs and community issues with an opportunity to explore their interests in public education, museum philanthropic efforts, public and social policy, youth development, and science outreach advocacy. The fellowship program concentrates on these areas of informal science education as they impact on problems of our communities and is intended to address rising issues in science education inequity. In addition to building professional qualities and academic qualifications that characterize the best agents of change in our profession, fellows are expected to help shape policies and lead research in cross-cultural and community science. They will be equipped with skills to improve programming for diverse populations in their own communities.

Stipend

Five summer fellowships of $5,000 will be announced at the beginning of May. Stipends will be paid in two installments: $2500 in July, and $2500 in August. A $500 travel grant will be additionally awarded contingent on an accepted abstract/proposal to a national conference of the fellow’s choice.

Goals and Expectations

Fellows will have the opportunity to:

• Work with youth facing multiple risk factors in the Saint Louis Science Center’s Youth Exploring Science (YES) Program for 10 consecutive weeks during the summer 2008.
• Collaborate with an assigned supervisor to develop and explore a research question for presentation at a national conference or a written grant proposal.
• Experience the culture and professional setting of museum programming.
• Learn and experiment with pedagogical techniques in informal science education
• Converse with distinguished leaders and visionaries of the Saint Louis Science Center, philanthropic organizations, public education, and advocacy organizations.
• Meet legislative leaders in science education reform.

Application Procedures

Applications are encouraged from individuals of varied educational backgrounds and experiences (undergraduate, graduate, inservice, etc). Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Application materials may be mailed to:

All applications must be received by March 30, 2008, whether through email or postal service.  No exceptions. Selected applicants will be invited for an interview in April. Final decisions will be made by May 1, 2008. Fellows must attend orientation/training beginning May 25, 2008. Selection is highly competitive. If there are further questions or concerns, please contact Krystal Salamon at ksalamon@slsc.org or by phone at (314) 289-4483.