As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory, PNNL helps carry DOE’s commitment to train, support, and inspire scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Collectively, the national laboratories train and educate more than 250,000 K–12 students; 22,000 K–12 educators; and 8,600 undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers annually, providing a tremendous boost to the nation’s resources in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

PNNL’s Office of STEM Education executes this with a variety of community partners throughout the Northwest. Opportunities for students, educators, and the community include exploration of, and excitement for, the sciences via career-focused, hands-on STEM learning experiences. Signature efforts include:

• STEM outreach
• STEM equity and inclusion
• Computing science education
• Professional development for educators
• DOE STEM workforce development

Ongoing collaborations with regional partners, including school districts, higher education institutions, and other STEM partners, help accelerate impact.

Recent efforts include the STEM Ambassadors @ PNNL initiative— an outreach program that equips PNNL researchers with communication tools and resources to share PNNL science with students and the broader community via hands-on, interactive, table-top displays. This initiative showcases a range of PNNL capabilities, including one that uses virtual reality to assist teachers and students in gaining competency in national learning standards for computer science.

Work-based learning experiences offer powerful, relevant ways to make STEM learning authentic and engaging and to prepare students for success in the STEM workforce. Students with access to research experiences and internship opportunities are better prepared to transition into the STEM workforce. Every year, PNNL hires hundreds of student interns and research associates in STEM and supporting fields. PNNL’s Office of STEM Education helps students achieve their goals by pairing them with PNNL scientists and professionals to develop skills that provide a strong foundation for STEM career pathways.

The Laboratory’s STEM efforts align with DOE’s Office of Science, Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists mission to engage in a broad range of activities with K–16 STEM educators and students. PNNL’s STEM education activities support a diverse, well-prepared workforce that can meet the growing nationwide demand for STEM skills.