Kid Science Advisors Talk STEM at White House

• By Sri Ravipati
• 10/31/16

The White House recently held its first convening of a student-led advisory council on improving STEM education in K–12 schools, as part of its Kid Science Advisor program.

Among the students was Jacob Leggette, who first pitched the idea for a Kid Science Advisor to President Barack Obama at the White House Science Fair last April. Obama was receptive to the idea and following the event, students from around the country submitted more than 2,500 ideas about science and STEM education to the White House, according to a White House statement.

Last week, Leggette and 10 other students from around the country met with top scientists at the White House to discuss STEM instruction. The student from Baltimore, Maryland is interested in closing the digital divide and increasing access to technology.

Leggette’s interests align with the Obama Administration’s efforts to increase access and diversity in STEM fields. At the convening, more than half of the student advisors were girls who are interested in STEM careers.

Anahi Gandara-Rodriguez, a 15-year-old from Denver, Colorado, sits on the student council for her work connecting low-income students to technology. She is currently developing a “smart cane” for blind people.  

Jamie Milota, a 17-year-old from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, led a team that created and taught computer science lessors to middle and elementary school students. She also created a game experience that helps promote low-income neighborhoods.

The Kid Science Advisors shared what is interesting to them about STEM and other ideas that could help shape future STEM initiatives.  

To learn more about the kids involved in the program, visit the White House blog.