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Society for Science selects 100 educators for the 2026–2027 Advocate Program, investing $326,000 to expand student access to scientific research and science competitions

globenewswire.com
REGN Regeneron is mentioned as a sponsor of science competitions (Science Talent Search and International Science and Engineering Fair) that the Advocate Program supports. The article does not provide financial or operational information about Regeneron itself. TMO Thermo Fisher Scientific is mentioned as a sponsor of the Junior Innovators Challenge, a science competition supported by the Advocate Program. The article does not offer any sentiment or information specific to Thermo Fisher Scientific's business performance.

Society for Science selects 100 educators for the 2026–2027 Advocate Program, investing $326,000 to expand student access to scientific research and science competitions Key takeaways:

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Society for Science (the Society), a nationally recognized leader in STEM education, today announced the selection of 100 outstanding educators for its 2026–2027 Advocate Program. Through professional development, stipends and year-round support, the program empowers educators to help students pursue original research opportunities and participate in science competitions, helping them build confidence, strengthen critical thinking skills and discover new pathways into science and engineering.

This year, the Society is awarding a total of $326,000, with 13 Lead Advocates receiving $5,000 each and 87 Advocates receiving $3,000 each. Throughout the year, the Lead Advocates will mentor fellow educators in region-specific, peer-led cohorts, supporting the 66 new Advocates and 21 returning Advocates. Together, they form a nationwide network of teacher leaders committed to expanding STEM opportunities for students.

“The most powerful way to expand opportunity for young people is to invest in the educators who recognize their potential and help turn their curiosity into discovery,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science and Executive Publisher of Science News. “Congratulations to our 2026–2027 Advocates. Together, they will strengthen STEM education, share innovative approaches and open doors for more students to see themselves—and thrive—as the scientists, engineers and innovators of tomorrow.”

The Advocate Program recognizes the essential role educators play in helping students move from pursuing independent research to sharing their work in competitions, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge. Advocates guide students through the process, helping them identify appropriate competitions, navigate application requirements, meet important deadlines and communicate their research effectively. Along the way, students strengthen their scientific reasoning, communication and problem-solving skills while gaining valuable experience that can open doors to future educational and career opportunities inside and outside the STEM pipeline.

Since its launch, the Advocate Program has supported 439 educators. Together, these educators have supported more than 9,100 students, including more than 6,700 who have submitted over 12,000 entries to STEM competitions. Many students participate in multiple competitions, reflecting the sustained engagement and growing impact of the Advocate Program.

This year's cohort brings together educators from public, charter and private schools, and one university. They bring diverse perspectives and expertise from classrooms, museums, after-school programs and community organizations, enriching the Advocate Program cohort with a wide range of experiences and approaches. Over the coming year, they will build lasting professional relationships, exchange innovative ideas and integrate new strategies to inspire and support the students they serve.

Earlier this summer, the new cohort gathered in Washington, D.C., for the Society's annual Advocate Training Institute, an immersive professional development experience designed to prepare educators for the year ahead. Through hands-on workshops and interactive sessions, participants explored topics ranging from accessible astronomy research using NASA archival data to building community partnerships that expand research opportunities for students exploring ways to connect students with competitions such as the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge. The institute also gave educators practical strategies, resources and inspiration they can bring back to their schools and communities throughout the year.

The 2026–2027 Advocate Program is made possible through the generous support of the Arconic Foundation, DoW STEM through the Defense STEM Education Consortium (DSEC), and Regeneron.

2026–2027 Lead Advocates

2026–2027 Advocates

Learn more about the Advocates here.

Media Contact:

Aparna K. Paul (she/her)

Director of Communications

Society for Science

apaul@societyforscience.org

781-375-8353

About Society for Science

Society for Science is a champion for science, dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement. Established in 1921, Society for Science is best known for its award-winning journalism through Science News and Science News Explores, its world-class science research competitions for students, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, and its outreach programming that seeks to ensure that all students have an opportunity to pursue a career in STEM. A 501(c)(3) membership organization, Society for Science is committed to inform, educate and inspire. Learn more at www.societyforscience.org and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.