For the love of science

TL;DR

FAST, or Future Advancers of Science and Technology, is a program that empowers low-income and underrepresented high school students to explore their curiosity and execute science experiments with passionate mentors.

Transcript

The whole thing started when I got a random email about four years ago. A Stanford graduate student working on his PhD thought that anybody can do science and he wanted to really do something with students who might otherwise not get the opportunity. An opportunity to work with an incredibly passionate mentor to define their own goals and to succee... Read More

Key Insights

• 💨 The FAST program was born out of the belief that anyone can do science and aims to provide opportunities to those who might not have had access otherwise.
• 🖐️ Role models and passionate mentors play a crucial role in inspiring and encouraging young students to pursue scientific endeavors.
• 💗 FAST offers a challenging yet supportive environment where students can explore the unknown and grow.
• 🥺 The program has the potential to shape students' future paths and career choices, leading them towards scientific research and related fields.
• 🧑‍🎓 Exposure to different scientific disciplines can broaden students' perspectives and help them discover their true interests and passion.
• 🏛️ Achieving goals and overcoming challenges contributes to personal growth and builds confidence.
• ❓ The program not only focuses on scientific skills but also emphasizes the importance of communication and mentorship.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did FAST start and what is its goal?

FAST started as an initiative by a Stanford graduate student to offer science opportunities to students who might not have had access. The goal of FAST is to inspire and empower high school students from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds to pursue their curiosity and execute innovative science experiments.

Q: How do mentors contribute to the FAST program?

Mentors play a vital role in the FAST program by guiding and supporting students in defining their science goals and helping them succeed in achieving those goals throughout the year. Many graduate students willingly dedicate their time and energy to interact with the students after their own lab work.

Q: What challenges did the students face, and how did they overcome them?

Students faced initial uncertainty and the need to trust their mentors and believe in their dedication. However, through persistence and support, students were able to overcome their fears and create projects they are proud of. The program offers a safe and emotionally supportive space for students to grow and learn.

Q: How did FAST impact students' future paths and career choices?

FAST exposed students to various fields of science, leading them to explore further and discover new interests. Many found their passion for research and science communication, which influenced their career goals, such as pursuing MD/PhD programs.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• FAST was created to provide high school students from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds with the opportunity to work with passionate mentors and achieve their own science goals.

• The program aims to inspire and empower students to create and execute novel science experiments that advance the field of basic science.

• FAST provides a safe space for students to dive into the unknown, face challenges, and grow without big consequences.