STEM Leadership Collective
2027 Application Opens November 30, 2026
The STEM Leadership Collective is a one-day workshop that aims to broaden and enhance access for all students interested in pursuing a career in STEM. In this workshop students can expect to build on the academic and professional skills they have obtained and gain knowledge on how to strengthen their academic and professional portfolios. This workshop will also provide students with the opportunity to network with faculty and industry professionals.
Eligibility
- Must be able to attend the full-day, in-person workshop at UW – Seattle.
- STEM students enrolled in an accredited Washington state college or university.
- Open to students in STEM degree programs. Some degree programs are ineligible, reference the STEM Degree Program List. If you are unsure, email nasa@uw.edu to ask.
- Must be 18 years or older.
2027 Event Description
When: Saturday, February 20, 2027
Time: TBD (attendees are required to be present for the full day)
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, The HUB (4001 E. Stevens Way NE, Seattle, WA 98195)
Breakfast and lunch provided.
Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium is a federally-funded workforce development program that supports students studying science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) across Washington State. Washington Space Grant opportunities are open and available to all STEM students. Our commitment stands to broaden and enhance access for all, including but not limited to first-generation college students, women, people of color, and those who wish to pursue careers in STEM fields.
Application Open: Nov 30, 2026
Application Closed: Jan 11, 2027
Selection Notification: Mid-January
RSVP by: Refer to workshop admittance email communication.
Workshop Date: February 20, 2027
We recommend you write your essay in a separate document and paste your responses into the application form when ready. Please review essay tips and AI usage guidelines located at the bottom of this page.
Lived Experiences
Describe how your lived experience contributed to your pursuit of a STEM degree. (150-200 words)
Note: See definition of lived experience and essay tip video
Contribution to the Workshop
The STEM Leadership Collective will provide students with the opportunity to enhance their skills to further support their academic and professional goals. This workshop aims to bring together a community of individuals who are passionate about STEM and are committed to broadening access to STEM opportunities.
Briefly explain how you will contribute to the one-day workshop.(150-200 words)
- Does the STEM Leadership Collective Workshop have an age requirement?
- Yes, applicants must be 18 by the time the application is due to be admitted to the workshop.
- Yes, applicants must be 18 by the time the application is due to be admitted to the workshop.
- Do I need to provide citizenship or financial information?
- No, the STEM Leadership Collective workshop does not have citizenship or financial need requirements.
- No, the STEM Leadership Collective workshop does not have citizenship or financial need requirements.
- Can transportation and parking costs be reimbursed?
- Unfortunately, we are unable to provide transportation funding or reimbursement. Students must provide their own transportation to campus. Venue location is easily accessible by public transportation.
- Unfortunately, we are unable to provide transportation funding or reimbursement. Students must provide their own transportation to campus. Venue location is easily accessible by public transportation.
- Is this a career fair?
- No, this is not a career fair. It is an interactive workshop where participants build community with peers, enhance their academic skills through interactive sessions, and connect directly with faculty, academic staff, and industry professionals. There are no career fair elements such as employer recruitment booths, networking tables, on-the-spot interviews, or resume drop-offs.
- No, this is not a career fair. It is an interactive workshop where participants build community with peers, enhance their academic skills through interactive sessions, and connect directly with faculty, academic staff, and industry professionals. There are no career fair elements such as employer recruitment booths, networking tables, on-the-spot interviews, or resume drop-offs.
- Can I attend remotely? Will presentations be recorded?
- No, the event will not be offered remotely and will not be recorded. This event is designed to foster relationship-building among peers and professionals, and it is intentionally held in person to support that purpose. We have periodic remote engagement opportunities, please check our calendar.
- No, the event will not be offered remotely and will not be recorded. This event is designed to foster relationship-building among peers and professionals, and it is intentionally held in person to support that purpose. We have periodic remote engagement opportunities, please check our calendar.
- What degree programs or majors qualify for this opportunity? I am pursuing a STEM degree, but I’m not sure if it counts as eligible.
- All STEM Degree Program listed here support NASA’s Mission. While medical fields may incorporate aspects of STEM, standard clinical training tracks or patient care majors are ineligible (ex: nursing, pre-med, CNA, phlebotomy, etc.).
- All STEM Degree Program listed here support NASA’s Mission. While medical fields may incorporate aspects of STEM, standard clinical training tracks or patient care majors are ineligible (ex: nursing, pre-med, CNA, phlebotomy, etc.).
- What are the available food options?
- There will be a light breakfast buffet at check-in. Lunch will be catered, with an offering of vegetarian, vegan, nut-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free options. You are more than welcome to bring your own snacks to supplement you throughout the day.
- There will be a light breakfast buffet at check-in. Lunch will be catered, with an offering of vegetarian, vegan, nut-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free options. You are more than welcome to bring your own snacks to supplement you throughout the day.
- Why is full-day attendance required?
- This program is designed to support relationship development and foster a sense of community, so full-day attendance is required. Due to the strong interest in this opportunity and the high number of qualified applications, preference will be given to participants who are available for the entire day.
- This program is designed to support relationship development and foster a sense of community, so full-day attendance is required. Due to the strong interest in this opportunity and the high number of qualified applications, preference will be given to participants who are available for the entire day.
- What are the benefits of attending this workshop?
- Strengthen leadership and communication skills.
- Network with STEM professionals, and learn from their stories.
- Learn how professionals utilize affinity groups to establish a sense of community in a professional setting.
- Meet other STEM-focused students from the region to create social support.
- Discuss the “invisible curriculum” and code switching in STEM environments.
- What does the workshop day look like?
- The STEM Leadership Collective is a one-day student workshop that will be held in rooms with round tables with 8 seats per table. All presenters and participants will attend in-person. Presenters will be provided with microphones. Most sessions will include interactive elements such as worksheets, talking to others in small groups or one-on-one and taking surveys on your mobile device/laptop.
- The workshop sessions format will comprise of:
- Large group sessions and breakout sessions
- Networking lunch includes a buffet meal and an opportunity to dine with a small group of students alongside industry professionals, faculty members, or STEM academic staff.