Building an International Youth Chief Science Officers (CSOs) Alumni Association

The Chief Science Officer (CSO) initiative has empowered more than 8,500 11-18-year-olds as STEM leaders since 2015. In addition to the current cohort, CSOs have hailed from Delaware, Hawaii, New Jersey, Missouri, Oregon, Texas, and Kuwait. The International CSO program team collaborates with local organizations and leaders to identify Regional Leads, who coordinate cabinets (comprising ~8-12 sites overseen by a cabinet coordinator) and sites (the CSOs' "home" organization, overseen by a site advisor), to support broader engagement, regional convenings, and collaboration. Sites include schools, nonprofits, and community organizations (e.g., libraries, science centers, etc.). SciTech Institute works closely with Regional and Cabinet Leads to ensure fidelity, assist with data collection and program reporting, support Site advisors and CSOs, co-lead youth and stakeholder engagement in regional and national events, coordinate the International Leadership Council, and support the Alumni Association. 

The CSO journey begins with a mandatory Leadership Training Institute where they gain and practice workforce skills, collaborate with fellow CSOs, and plan their annual action plan. Additional training occurs during fall and spring cabinet meetings, as well as online CSO Saturdays. CSOs also meet regularly with their site advisors and cabinet coordinators to review and refine their action plans. Alumni engagement in training sessions and mentoring provides younger CSOs with skill-building and socio-emotional support, particularly for those who may not see themselves in STEM or pursuing postsecondary education, as well as opportunities for collaboration and networking with fellow CSOs and STEM professionals worldwide. 

Former CSOs established the Alumni Association Board to stay engaged in the program and mentor incoming CSOs. The Board is recruiting members to utilize their experience, knowledge, resources, and talents to assist CSOs in developing leadership goals, planning and implementing their annual Action Plans, and achieving their objectives. Support from the Foundation will enable the Board to offset the costs of alumni travel to participate in CSO-led events, networking, and professional development. Additionally, it will allow the Board to recognize members' engagement (e.g., service and achievement awards, celebration events, and activities) and cover platform costs for alumni virtual conferences.