Chief Science Officers
- CSO Christy, Freeland High School
The Chief Science Officers (CSOs) program is a student-led initiative to increase interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Middle school and high school students are elected by their peers to be a CSO and are then empowered to influence a wide range of STEM opportunities in their schools and communities. Initiated in Arizona in 2015 and expanded nationally in 2017, the CSO Program increases the student government model to place youth squarely in the center of STEM promotion, experience and community action. In addition, the CSO program aims to enhance the engagement of STEM professionals and community partners in STEM education and build a cabinet of CSOs in schools across the country and around the world. Past and present Chief Science Officers learn valuable workplace skills during the program, including teamwork, networking, and problem-solving skills. Together, CSOs work with one another as a cabinet to collaboratively engage in conversations about STEM education and work on collective action projects.
Chief Science Officers program goals are to:
Create a pipeline of Diverse STEM Leaders Foster Communication and Collaboration among CSOs
Enrich School and STEM Culture and Career Awareness Increase Student Voice in STEM conversations in the Community
2023 - 2024 Kick-Off
Over 80 middle and high school students are participating in this year’s GLBR East CSO Cabinet, representing 18,000+ of their peers from 31schools and 16 school districts. The CSOs began their journey at the Leadership Training Institute in August here at Saginaw Valley State University. Students worked with their schools competing in a STEMazing Race around campus, networked with over 30 different STEM professionals, and began to develop their STEM Action Plans to implement at their schools or communities.
Looking forward, CSOs will participate in two Cabinet Meetings where they will practice their networking skills with STEM professionals in the region. They will also tour and learn about different companies and careers in the Great Lakes Bay Region. CSOs will stay busy throughout the year as they implement STEM action plans in their schools and communities. It’s expected that the CSOs will impact over 20,000 people in the GLBR Community this year!
Participating School Districts:
Bangor Township Schools, Bay City Public Schools, Bridgeport-Spaulding Community School District, Carrollton Public Schools, Diocese of Saginaw (Nouvel Catholic Central Middle and High Schools), Essexville-Hampton Public Schools, Frankenmuth School District, Freeland Community School District, Hemlock Public School District, Merrill Community School District, Midland Public Schools, Lutheran Schools, Missouri Synod (Bethlehem Lutheran School and Valley Lutheran High School), Pinconning Area School District, Saginaw City School District, Saginaw Township Community Schools, and Swan Valley School District.
See how the program impacts schools in this CSO Advisor Perspective video. If you’re a middle or high school located in Arenac, Bay, Midland or Saginaw County and are interested in joining the CSO Program please email STEM@svsu.edu for more information.
The Great Lakes Bay Region - East CSOs are funded by:
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