Write a Researcher: a Pen Pal Outreach Program for Middle and High School Students

Abstract

ABSTRACT The decision to pursue a science, technology, engineering, and/or math (STEM) career is often made in middle and high school, yet many students do not have access to resources or opportunities to navigate this career path. Without guidance, obtaining a job in STEM may seem like a daunting or impossible task. Here, we present Write a Researcher, a program wherein middle and high school students were paired with STEM professionals at Cornell University as pen pals. Through personalized handwritten letters, students her empowered with advice, encouragement, and knowledge to support their understanding of STEM fields, advanced degrees, and careers. We share Write a Researcher here to encourage others to establish similar programs at their own institutions.

Keywords

• STEM outreach
• mentoring
• pen pal
• underrepresented students
• high school
• middle school