As a Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory, PNNL helps to carry out a longstanding, core commitment of DOE and its predecessor organizations—a commitment to training and supporting scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. The nation’s laboratories work to inspire and prepare the nation’s next generation of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) leaders and do so by providing training and education programs to more than 250,000 K–12 students and 22,000 K–12 educators annually (source).

PNNL’s Office of STEM Education implements a number of educational and outreach programs throughout the region and with a variety of community partners. Included are opportunities for students, educators, and the community; all inspire exploration of and excitement for the sciences via career-focused, hands-on STEM learning experiences.

PNNL’s STEM efforts include coordination of our participation in the DOE National Science Bowl®, computing education and outreach, educator development and research immersion experiences such as teacher-scientist partnerships, and more. Efforts also include ongoing collaboration with regional partners, including local school districts, higher education institutions, and other STEM partners.

Recent efforts include the STEM Ambassadors @ PNNL initiative—a development program for PNNL researchers that provides them communications tools and resources for sharing their passion for science with the K–12 community—and computing education summer programs for grades 7–12 students and teachers.

The laboratory’s STEM education efforts align with the DOE’s Office of Science, Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists mission to engage in a broad range of activities with K–12 STEM educators and students. These activities aim to support a diverse workforce that is well prepared and able to meet the growing demand for STEM skills across the nation.