Science Coach Concept

The concept of Science Coach grew out of a conversation with a science teacher. He shared that because he needed to coach a school sport to supplement his income, he wouldn’t have time to help students with science fair projects.

This was an experienced and committed teacher, who had guided and helped students develop into award-winning young researchers, having to give up his science research program because of pay.

What a loss, for him and for the students who would miss out on the science research experience. So we took a bold step. We offered to provide funding for the teacher to coach students to do science projects.

He accepted! And Science Coach was off and running, with our first Coach hired!

Our First Science Coach – Ben Martin

That was 2007. For the next 10+ years, Science Coach operated as a 6-county innovation program in Missouri, adding several more Coaches to our roster each year. In 2018, we joined and started incubating at BioSTL – a nonprofit organization that drives innovation and entrepreneurship in the St. Louis region. In 2022, Science Coach transitioned to a free-standing 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization.

The Science Coach Mission is to support 6th-12th grade students and teachers to experience the excitement of original research.

Science Coach Today

Teachers
Students
States

We’ve evolved in a STEM talent development system – igniting student passion for STEM and exposing them to different careers that align with that passion.

Science Coach Impact

Our goal is to bring scientific research into as many classrooms as we can; to make it possible for students to experience and realize the benefits of learning about and conducting authentic, competition-ready science research projects.

Sadly, the reality is that many 6th-12th grade classrooms are not equipped for scientific experiential learning. Lack of funding for not just teachers but for classroom supplies, along with proper training for teachers, inhibits real science experimentation and exploration from taking place.

That has real world implications.

  • It’s hard for students to get excited about science if they’re not able to engage in hands-on learning.
  • They can’t elevate their thinking skills if they’re not challenged.
  • And they can’t pursue careers in STEM if they don’t know about them.

Science Coach Addresses Classroom Challenges and Inequities

We work with donors, foundations, companies, and universities to secure dollars for the Science Coach program and stipends for teachers.

We recruit, train, and support science teachers; enabling a nd empowering them to lead their students through a year – long research program. We offer ongoing professional development and peer collaboration via monthly webinars and an annual conference for returning and new teachers.

We solicit and accept lab supply donations from companies and scientists and make them available for teachers and students. We also provide teachers with a budget for supplies and materials. Additionally, we source specialized equipment for use in the c lassroom.

We have arrangements with several commercial and college labs in Missouri and other areas of the country for our students to work on their projects and/or use specialized instruments. In place s where we don’t have lab space privileges, we provide students and teachers with insurance to work in labs where they secure access on their own.

Through our relationships with scientists and researchers, we are able to connec t students to serious professionals who can serve as mentors and subject matter experts. Additionally, these connections have opened the door to networking opportunities and internships.

We’ve developed partnerships with compani es, colleges, and associations to provide tailored career introduction programs which include in – depth career information and onsite job shadowing. Students are exposed to a range of STEM career pathways with various secondary education level requirements, from high – school to workforce, to technical school, to higher education programs.

For those students going on to college, the Science Coach program prepares them for college – level coursework in STEM majors. Additionally, many of o ur students amass a portfolio of research projects which sets them apart in the college application process.

We provide a pathway from innovation to entrepreneurship for student research projects that have commercialization or intellectual property potential.

We provide everything that’s needed for student research success, in all the various ways it’s measured: awards and scholarships; STEM career passion and pursuit; increased confidence and critical thinking skills.

  • Why Science Projects Matter

    Science projects take the study of science to a whole different level, presenting an invaluable growth and learning experience for students.

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  • Student Spotlights

    Meet the 15 Science Coach students who advanced to the 2025 International Science & Engineering Fair.

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