Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) STEM Education is passionate about sharing its amazing science with the public to increase enthusiasm and understanding for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). To accomplish this, we’ve developed programs and models that help bring the science and passion of PNNL experts to our communities. By creating collaborations that allow us to share our science, we work to reach people from a variety of backgrounds to inspire interest in STEM and to build the future, diverse workforce for the Department of Energy (DOE) and our nation.

STEM Ambassadors

What is a STEM Ambassador? It’s a PNNL staff member who has been trained in how people learn, how best to communicate with various audiences, and how to convey the impact and relevance of their work memorably. STEM Ambassadors often volunteer at outreach events in the communities near PNNL’s Richland, Seattle, and Sequim campuses. Using interactive, hands-on displays, they showcase their work at PNNL and serve as role models to spark interest in STEM learning and careers. 

Student STEM Ambassadors

What is it like to intern at PNNL? Ask a Student STEM Ambassador! Student STEM Ambassadors are prior DOE interns who have diverse backgrounds and are trained to motivate and inspire future interns by sharing their own PNNL internship experiences. Representing colleges and universities in different corners of the country, Student STEM Ambassadors connect with their peers through social media networks, career fairs, campus events, and other outreach activities.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Outreach

PNNL works with academic and industry partners to purposefully develop pathways for traditionally underrepresented and underserved populations to bring all voices and minds to the table. These efforts are critical to our national scientific efforts and make a competitive impact on STEM in the United States. From hosting workshops for faculty at Minority Serving Institutions to participating in many events and career fairs focused on prioritizing access and pathways for underrepresented populations, PNNL STEM Education is committed to partnering to develop sustainable solutions for long-term impact in our efforts to diversify the future STEM workforce.