Bridging the opportunity gap: teens take a leap toward STEM careers

Forsyth County teens from Title 1 high schools are taking a leap toward STEM-related careers this summer.

They are participating in Wake Forest LEAP (Lab Experiences: Academics and Professions). It’s a six-week, paid, lab-based internship program for rising high school juniors and seniors who attend one of six Title I Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools (WS/FCS): Carver, Glenn, Kennedy, North Forsyth, Parkland IB, Reynolds. Title I schools serve large populations of students who come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

As part of the initiative, high schoolers are paired with a Wake Forest faculty member and a co-mentor, which is a Wake undergraduate or graduate student.  These mentors introduce them to the foundations of their discipline and introduce them to research. 

“The program allows the faculty and our students to impact the next generation of STEM leaders, which is something that they’re excited about,” said Alana James, the director of Wake Downtown who supervises the program. “But it’s also a way for some of our students who otherwise would not have the opportunity to explore this potential that they have.”  

The three-year pilot began with 12 interns last summer. This year, 19 students are enrolled. It’s made possible by support through the Burroughs Wellcome Fund Student STEM Enrichment Program (SSEP) and The Truist Foundation.

The goal of the program is to bridge the opportunity gap and increase the number of traditionally underrepresented minorities in the STEM education pipeline.

A WF LEAP Symposium Intern demonstrates their summer research findings.

“The way that we’re trying to do that is by reducing barriers that traditionally would prevent those populations from participating. So, one is pay,” James said. “There are very few paid internship opportunities that exist for high school students who don’t already have some type of background knowledge in STEM.”

High school participants receive an $1,800 stipend for their summer internship. Transportation and a meal plan are also included. There are professional development workshops related to career exploration, resume development, networking, public speaking, and research. These are conducted in partnership with the WFU Office of Personal and Career Development; ZSR Library, and the Wake Forest Speaking Center.

“This experience really allows you to come out of your shell,” said Isabelle Blancas, a rising senior at Reynolds High School. “Six weeks ago, I never would have volunteered to be interviewed talking about it because I was too shy, and now I’m ready to give speeches, and I’m already out public speaking, even if it’s not lab related. So, LEAP has given me a lot of important life skills.”

All of these skills will help participating interns in the program prepare for the final presentations about their research. They will share their projects in a symposium attended by their mentors and their families.

“I’m nervous and excited to talk about my research project. We have learned so much through this program. I’m looking forward to taking my new research skills back to the classroom and helping others learn how they can do it too,” said 16-year-old Isaiah Wilson-Hood who attends North Forsyth.

Students will present their projects on Friday, July 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the lobby and second floor Atrium of Wake Downtown. Contact: Keri Brown for parking information and questions at media@wfu.edu or 336-758-4442.

The student’s research projects will also be featured in their home schools in the fall.

According to a recent report, Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) jobs are projected to grow 15% between 2021 and 2031. The Wake Forest faculty and students leading LEAP want to cultivate new pathways for future scientists.