Teacher Eligibility Criteria

1. Be a current 6th–8th grade science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) teacher in a public school in East Baton Rouge Parish.

2. Have at least one year of full-time classroom teaching experience and plan to remain in the classroom for the upcoming academic year.

3. Demonstrate a commitment to inquiry-based STEM instruction and student-centered learning approaches.

4. Exhibit interest in integrating environmental science and/or cybersecurity into their curriculum.

5. Show readiness to engage in professional research experiences, collaborate with mentors, and reflect on instructional practices.

6. Articulate potential for program impact—both for their students and their school community.

7. Demonstrate leadership potential and a willingness to share lessons learned with peers or present at conferences.

8. Be available to participate in all program activities, including the summer intensive, virtual PD, classroom implementation, and capstone presentations.

Applicants will submit:

• An online application form

• A current resume or CV

• A letter of interest (500–700 words)

• A letter of support from current principal

*Any public middle school STEM teachers in East Baton Rouge Parish. STEM teachers include Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Computer Science (coding, robotics, etc.)

*No prior experience in research, cybersecurity or AI is needed.