Des Moines, Iowa — Two Iowa teachers received scholarships from the Science Society to support students in scientific research.

Educators in this program help students from underrepresented groups and low-income families put together STEM projects for scientific research competitions.

Ann Jackson, a teacher at Marshalltown Middle School, received a $3,000 scholarship for participating in the association’s advocacy program. Jackson says he wants all students, especially underrepresented ones, to know that STEM has a place for them.

“We plan to use this scholarship to find ways to bridge the gaps that prevent underrepresented students from participating in science competitions,” Jackson said. I mean simple things like collecting tools, and some things you might not think about, like having lunch.”

South Hamilton Community School District teacher Dede Henderson was also awarded a $3,000 scholarship.

“We look forward to allowing more students to participate in the science competition,” Henderson said in a press release. “They allow students to experience the thrill of discovery and help them develop additional skills, such as learning how to write articles for scientific journals and how to present their research to others.”

The Society for Science is a non-profit organization that promotes the understanding and appreciation of science and the role that science plays in human progress. The nonprofit has awarded her $274,000 to her 84 teachers across the country from 2022 through the 2023 school year.