CATAlySES

(2017-) Two-week session and school year follow-up

Funded by NIH Science Education Partnership Awards (SEPA) (R25)

CATALySES (Collaborating to Advance Teaching and Learning of Science Educators and Students) is funded by the National Institutes of Health Science Education Partnership Award to support science teachers in ongoing opportunities for personal enrichment and professional advancement in biomedical education, building on and extending partnerships that connect University of Florida researchers in Emerging Pathogens, Clinical and Translational Science, and Education with schools throughout the State.

The overall objectives of CATALySES are:

• To prepare new and update/renew experienced teachers,
• Partner with teachers to inspire and prepare students for the continuum of paths to the science and health-related workforce, and
• To provide authentic STEM experiences and opportunities for motivated high school students significantly under-represented in STEM and Health careers.

This is an ambitious five-year grant with multiple phases and components. Similar to previous CPET programs such as Bench to Bedside and ICORE, this program consists of a two-week summer institute, followed by classroom action research and continued collaboration during the school year (Phase I offered Years 1-5). Eligible participants, as well as teachers who have previously worked with CPET, can then apply for a Research Fellowship the following summer, during which teachers will create and publish curricular modules that align research and educational standards and effectively convey concepts, skills, and pathways to the broad range of health careers to students and teachers (Phase II offered Years 2 and 4). Additionally, starting in year 2, scholarships will be available for students of CATALySES teachers to attend the Student Science Training Program (SSTP) or the Research Explorations (REx) program.