Scientist Spotlights Partnership Program
*****
Attention SFSU Students!
Then apply for…
The Scientist Spotlights Partnership Program!
*****
What is the Scientist Spotlights Partnership Program?
The Scientist Spotlights Partnership Program partners SFSU undergraduate students in biology (or a related STEM discipline) with high school students to serve as near peer mentors.
– The program aims to humanize science by featuring biomedical scientists from diverse backgrounds in high school classrooms to show students all the types of people who do science.
– SFSU students will work alongside high school students to co-author new Scientist Spotlights, assignments that teach science through personal stories and professional work of counter-stereotypical biomedical scientists.
– SFSU students would be enrolled in 3 units of Biol 699: Independent Study in Fall 2026. These units would count towards graduation and the biology degree as upper division, major elective units!
Why should YOU participate in the program & course?
This program offers a unique leadership opportunity to partner with high school students nationwide.
You can change what is taught in high school science curricula to include the stories of scientists who represent diverse personal and cultural backgrounds!
The knowledge and skills that you will gain are strengths you can bring into your future career, including but not limited to:
– Gaining leadership, communication, and mentoring skills
– Networking with other scientists from diverse backgrounds
– Learning about how to create a sense of belonging in the classroom
– Understanding how we can connect science to communities
Want to learn more about the program from alumni?
Check out the Fall 2025 Partnership Teams learn about different alumni’s experiences participating in The Scientist Spotlights Partnership Program!
What are the program & course expectations?
Invited SFSU student leaders must be able to attend the weekly course and virtual fieldwork sessions.
– Class occurs weekly on Tuesdays from 2-3:40pm in The SEPAL Classroom, Hensill Hall 245.
– High school student and teacher meetings will occur over Zoom, weekly at various days/times based on partnership schedules.
– A Partnership Orientation will be held at the beginning of the semester in September and Community Gathering will be held at the end of the semester in December during class time (dates TBA).
