Developing the Next Generation of STEM Leaders

How can engineers and scientists best influence and inspire the next generation of scientific leaders? How can we reach out to the K-12 community to create mentoring programs that develop student skills and knowledge, and provide our youth with a positive view of the scientific and engineering professions? This webinar will explore key strategies to harness young talent, provide meaningful educational experiences outside of formal schooling, and put practicing engineers, scientists, researchers, and caring adults in trustful and joyful mentoring relationships with young people. A case study will be presented featuring the Institute for High Performance Learning (HPL), an after-school and summer program for youth that operates in New York City and employs the theories of high achievement and the systematic development of exceptional talent to provide motivated youth with hands-on-experiences with STEM knowledge. Through constructed learning laboratories like HPL, scientists and engineers can help young people construct their own value and appreciation for scientific knowledge and leadership skills, such as cooperation, discipline, overcoming challenges, faith and belief in ones own and the teams abilities, complex problem solving, and societal giveback.