The STEM Leadership Collective is a one-day workshop that aims to build on the work the Washington Space Grant Program is doing to diversify the STEM workforce. Using a strength-based framework, the one-day workshop will carry out three goals - (1) bring together a diverse group of students who are passionate about STEM and are committed to diversifying the STEM workforce, (2) recognize and celebrate students’ strengths to support their academic and professional goals, and (3) cultivate a sense of belonging and solidarity among peers and industry members.
Eligibility
- Must be able to attend the full-day, in-person workshop at UW - Seattle (Breakfast and lunch provided).
- STEM students enrolled in an accredited Washington state college/university.
- Must be 18 years or older.
The STEM Leadership Collective workshop does not have citizenship or financial need requirements.
Students from underrepresented backgrounds (American Indian/Alaska Native, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and Southeast Asian), individuals with disabilities, and first-generation college students are strongly encouraged to apply.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: January 24, 2025 @12pm.
- Workshop Date: February 22, 2025; 9am - 4pm.
- Questions: Drop-in Office Hour via Zoom.
- Thursday Jan 9; 4:30 - 5:00pm
- Thursday Jan 30; 5:00 - 5:30pm
- Wednesday Feb 5; 4:00 - 4:30pm
Application Essay Questions
- Academic Goal and Motivation
What are your career goals and how do you think they align with NASA's mission to "explore the unknown in air and space, innovate for the benefit of humanity, and inspire the world through discovery"? (150-200 words)
Note: We’re not looking for the most unique research idea! We want to hear how you plan to use your education.
- Public Service
Space Grant values meaningful social impact. Describe your specific contribution to any initiative, project, or organization that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) to your community that aligns with this value. Your example activity does not have to be STEM-related. (150-200 words)
- Lived Experience
Describe how your lived experience contributed to your pursuit of a STEM degree? (150-200 words)
- Contribution to Cohort
Washington Space Grant is committed to providing a welcoming and supportive community to all students through community-building activities. Describe how you will contribute to the Space Grant cohort (50-100 words)
Essay Tips
- Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships, and Awards provides general scholarship application tips.
- What is Lived Experience? Check out this guide from the Office of Human Services Policy.
- NASA Space Grant’s objectives include recruiting and training U.S. citizens and residents, especially women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities. In your essay responses, highlight how your experience and goals align with Space Grant’s objective.
- We place a strong emphasis on the driving force or motivation behind your academic pursuits. We are not expecting you to explain entirely new original research ideas.
- Your application will be evaluated on the following categories: Academic Goal and Motivation, Public Service, Lived Experiences, and Contribution to Cohort
For more information and/or to apply:
https://forms.gle/tQa3iv1WLxYs8cBS7
Deadline: 01/24/2025 12:00 Pacific Time