Science Corps

Our Mission

The mission of Science Corps is to build STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) capacity worldwide. To accomplish this mission, Science Corps places recent STEM PhD graduates to teach and develop science curriculum in regions that lack access to quality science education. As Science Corps fellows, they support innovative schools and projects by designing scientific curriculum, teaching, hosting workshops, and demonstrating experiments that provide students with hands-on STEM experience. Science Corps fellows leverage their expertise and passion to inspire and empower students to pursue degrees in STEM fields. 

Our Story

The founders of Science Corps felt that the rigors of scientific training offered few opportunities for scientists to develop a global perspective. This is in contrast to the multiple avenues available for physicians to contribute abroad while still gaining career experience. One of the Science Corps co-founders, Ben Rubin, searched widely after completing his STEM PhD for an opportunity that would allow him to leverage his science background in an avenue outside of the traditional science path of PhD to postdoc. After a long search, he found a school in the rural Philippines that needed a science teacher. This school was CVIF, which is now a long-term Science Corps host site and partner. Here, he spent six months teaching and developing science curricula. His experience was so positive for himself and his students that Science Corps was founded to provide other STEM PhDs with similar experiences. 

Why STEM PhDs?

The long march through the academic requirements of a PhD in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) often minimizes opportunities for interactions outside of the research community. The experience and expertise of STEM PhDs is, however, tremendously valuable in underserved communities around the world. Science Corps seeks to be a bridge between these two groups by providing opportunities for recent PhD graduates, as Science Corps Fellows, to step outside the traditional academic path for six months, broaden their perspective and skill set, and contribute their expertise to underserved communities. As Science Corps grows, it is possible that we may open fellowship opportunities for scientists at more advanced stages in their careers.