Students Choose a Leader
Peers elect a grade 6–12 student as their school's STEM ambassador, and the new CSO begins leadership training.
Chief Science Officers
STEM doesn't change schools. Students do.
Chief Science Officers are students in grades 6–12, elected by their peers to serve as STEM ambassadors for their school and community.
Student Leadership
What Is a Chief Science Officer?
A student-elected STEM ambassador who turns leadership into a practical Action Plan for school and community.
Chief Science Officers, or CSOs, are elected by their peers. Each CSO completes a year-long leadership cycle that begins with training and leads to an administrator-approved Action Plan, regional Cabinet Meetings, Quarterly Impact Reports, and reflection.
The program connects student voice with school support. Students lead the work, while advisors and regional program leaders provide structure, coaching, and connection to the wider Chief Science Officers network.
Recent regional activity has included a PA Capital trip, participation in the Youth Solutions Summit in Arizona, and a Statewide Leadership Council convening.
Active and funded: The program is funded for three more years. It is not a pilot.
CSO Advisor
Provides in-building support for student leaders.
CSO Cabinet Coordinator
Provides regional coordination and support.
CSO Regional Lead
Runs LTI and Cabinet Meetings, visits every school, and serves as the point of contact to CSO International.
The Annual Cycle
From Election to Reflection
Each step moves a student leader from being chosen by peers to planning, reporting, reflecting, and celebrating meaningful work.
- Peer ElectionStudents in grades 6–12 are elected by their peers as STEM ambassadors.
- Leadership Training InstituteLTI builds the foundation for the year's leadership work.
- Initial Action PlanStudents begin shaping a school- or community-focused plan.
- Administrator ApprovalThe completed Action Plan is approved by an administrator and due November 1.
- Cabinet MeetingsStudents participate in Fall and Spring regional Cabinet Meetings.
- Quarterly Impact ReportsCSOs document progress throughout the year.
- Year-End ReflectionStudents reflect on the work completed; the reflection is due April 1.
- End of Year CelebrationThe cycle closes by recognizing student leadership and learning.
An Illustrative Example
Imagine Your School
One possible year for a student-led STEM initiative.
This is an illustrative scenario, not a real school case study. The months show how the verified program cycle could unfold; they do not describe a specific student, school, or Action Plan.
An Idea Becomes a Plan
The CSO develops an Initial Action Plan and works with the in-building Advisor and school administrator.
The Plan Is Approved
The administrator-approved Action Plan is submitted, giving the student a clear path for the year.
Leadership Connects
The CSO joins the Fall Cabinet Meeting, advances the Action Plan, and documents progress through Quarterly Impact Reports.
Progress Becomes Reflection
After the Spring Cabinet Meeting, the CSO completes the required year-end Reflection by April 1.
The Community Celebrates
The cycle concludes with an End of Year Celebration recognizing the student's work and learning.
Explore the Program
The Leadership Ecosystem Is Growing
Explore the process guides and role-specific centers that support the Chief Science Officers program.
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How Action Plans Work
A closer look at the Initial Action Plan, administrator approval, impact reporting, and year-end Reflection.
How Action Plans Work →
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Leadership Training Institute & Cabinet
A guide to LTI and the Fall and Spring Cabinet Meetings that connect student leaders regionally.
Explore LTI & Cabinet →
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Advisor & Administrator Centers
Practical support for the in-building adults who advise, approve, and sustain student leadership.