STEM Program Management & Leadership - Micro-credential

• Experiences: Acting in a leadership capacity for a Science Discovery program, such as Teen Science Café, Summer STEM Crew or the STEM Mentors Board
• Workshops: Science Discovery Leadership Training

Learners must serve in a leadership position for a full season of a Science Discovery programand participate in at least 80% of the meetings and events. They'll also complete a self-assessment and written reflection on leadership and community engagement skills 

Learners will demonstrate at least 80% of the competencies listed on the supervisor’s evaluation rubric, including the following:

​Leadership 

• Fosters a welcoming environment where team members feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their own ideas. 
• Offers consistent guidance and support to team members. 
• Identifies strengths and needs in team members and delegates tasks accordingly.  

Empathy & Inclusion 

• Identifies, acknowledges and responds to the perspective of team members so they feel more comfortable and included. 
• Actively listens to a peer's concerns and offers supportive, non-judgmental feedback. 
• Modifies their explanations in real-time based on cues of confusion or excitement from community members. 

Integrity & Professionalism 

• Represents Science Discovery’s mission to advance STEM outreach and education, honestly admits when they don't have an answer and models intellectual humility and curiosity. 
• Upholds group norms and resolves conflict by working with Science Discovery staff. 
• Models accountability for the team by taking responsibility for mistakes and correcting them when possible.  

Communication 

• Clearly conveys ideas, plans and needs to team members. 
• Provides clear explanations of scientific topics using accessible language, relevant analogies and enthusiasm. 
• Proactively communicates with peers and Science Discovery staff about potential challenges or opportunities you observe while engaging with a specific community group. 

Teamwork 

• Works collectively with the team to coordinate Science Discovery programs, modeling selflessness and ensuring that community space is respected and left in excellent condition. 
• Provides supportive and constructive feedback to team members throughout a program to ensure that it runs successfully. 

Community Engagement 

• Listens to the specific interests or needs expressed by the community members and suggests how future Science Discovery programs could address them. 
• Proactively initiates conversations with community members to welcome them and share the purpose of the event. 

Reliability 

• STEM Leader follows through on their tasks, modeling dependability for the team. 
• Arrives on time and prepared for meetings and events, demonstrating respect for the community members' time and commitment. 

Organization 

• Develops clear systems to effectively manage materials and systems. 
• Maintains shared resources so they are organized and easily accessible for all team members to use. 

Critical Thinking 

• Takes the initiative to research, propose and implement new strategies with Science Discovery staff. 
• Invites multiple perspectives to problem-solving discussions and approach the discussions with a learner’s mindset. 
• Demonstrates creativity and persistence when troubleshooting problems 

Adaptability 

• Willingly and smoothly steps in to cover gaps and provide additional support when needed. 
• Maintains a positive attitude when faced with unexpected challenges, working with the team to find a constructive solution.