STEM Accelerator

What does it take to build a future in STEM? This two-week precollege program, led by Dr. Ansley Booker of Dartmouth NEXT, invites students to explore the wide range of careers and pathways in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through engaging seminars, hands-on workshops, and behind-the-scenes field trips, students will experience Dartmouth’s cutting-edge labs, medical centers, sustainability initiatives, and makerspaces. Along the way, they’ll learn from Dartmouth faculty, researchers, and alumni who are pushing the boundaries of innovation in medicine, engineering, data science, and beyond.

The program goes beyond exposure—it provides a roadmap. Students will gain practical tools for career readiness, from understanding the steps toward graduate school or research opportunities to connecting with mentors and building a professional network. The experience culminates in a closing symposium where each student presents a personalized “STEM Futures Pathway Plan,” reflecting the insights and inspiration gathered throughout the program. By the end of the two weeks, participants will not only discover what’s possible in STEM but also envision their own next steps with clarity and confidence.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Identify a wide range of STEM disciplines and career pathways through exposure to Dartmouth faculty, researchers, and alumni.
2. Explain the steps involved in pursuing STEM careers, including higher education pathways, research opportunities, and professional development strategies.
3. Engage with cutting-edge STEM research and innovation in fields such as medicine, engineering, sustainability, and data science.
4. Develop foundational skills for career readiness, including networking, mentorship-seeking, and effective communication of personal goals.
5. Reflect on their own interests and strengths to envision a personalized trajectory within STEM fields.
6. Create a “STEM Futures Pathway Plan” that integrates academic exploration, career goals, and actionable next steps.

Tangible Outcomes

• Reflective Journaling: Capture daily insights and track evolving career interests, forming the foundation for the final project.
• Closing Symposium: Present a personalized “STEM Futures Pathway Plan” to peers and faculty, articulating both inspiration gained and concrete next steps.

Hands-on Activities

• Seminar Sessions: Participate in interactive talks led by Dartmouth faculty, alumni, and guest experts on STEM careers, innovations, and emerging fields.
• Hands-On Workshops: Experiment in makerspaces, medical labs, and sustainability centers, engaging directly with tools and techniques used by STEM professionals.
• Field Trips & Site Visits: Go behind the scenes at Dartmouth labs, research centers, and innovation hubs to observe cutting-edge science in action.
• Career Pathway Panels: Hear from alumni and professionals who represent diverse trajectories in STEM, followed by Q&A networking opportunities.
• Mentorship Activities: Pair with Dartmouth graduate students or researchers for guided conversations about academic and career journeys.
• Skill-Building Sessions: Learn practical skills in resume building, science communication, and how to prepare for college-level research.

Information is subject to change as instructors finalize course content and syllabi.