Fifty-eight students from 18 Gilbert Public Schools campuses are serving as chief science officers. 

The students, in grades six through 12, make up the largest single district delegation of chief science officers in the United States. The program trains students to advocate for science, technology, engineering and math in their schools and communities. 

The students gathered Sept. 22 at the GPS Global Academy for a Leadership Training Institute to begin their service. During the daylong event, participants developed leadership and teamwork skills, practiced effective communication, and learned to set SMART goals for upcoming projects.  

Activities focused on collaboration, identifying core leadership values and building camaraderie among students from across the district. 

Each student is required to complete at least one action plan during the school year. These STEM-based projects aim to solve problems, enrich STEM culture or address needs within their schools or communities.  

Students began work on their initial action plan forms during the training. 

Action plan goals include: 

• Career awareness: Inviting engineers, scientists and industry professionals to speak at schools. 
• Community solutions: Partnering with local governments or businesses to address challenges identified by students. 
• Pipeline development: Strengthening connections between elementary, junior high and high school STEM programs. 

Some schools have already begun pipeline development efforts. Earlier this school year, engineering students from Mesquite High visited Oak Tree Elementary to lead a hands-on activity introducing sixth graders to coding and engineering concepts. 

The following schools participated in this year’s Leadership Training Institute: 

Boulder Creek Elementary, Canyon Rim Elementary, Carol Rae Ranch Elementary, Desert Ridge High, Desert Ridge Junior High, Finley Farms Elementary, Gilbert Classical Academy, Highland High, Highland Junior High, Highland Park Elementary, Meridian Elementary, Mesquite Elementary, Neely Traditional Academy, Oak Tree Elementary, Pioneer Elementary, Quartz Hill Elementary, South Valley Junior High and Val Vista Lakes Elementary.