The program expanded its school visits to elementary school grades and increased its online reach
San Juan, Puerto Rico — Ciencia Puerto Rico announced the most recent results of its Scientists in Service (CAS) program, an educational initiative that connects students and teachers with experts in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through school visits and virtual talks. During the program's 2025-2026 cycle, CAS directly impacted hundreds of students in Puerto Rico and reached tens of thousands of participants through its online talks, as part of its efforts to strengthen access to quality STEM experiences.
The school visits component recruited and trained 30 STEM experts—10 for elementary level and 20 for middle school level—with an interest in impacting school science education. The volunteers received virtual workshops offered by the non-profit organizations, Jóvenes Científicos por Puerto Rico (Young Scientists for Puerto Rico) and Ciencia en tus Manos (Science in Your Hands) to strengthen their mentoring and science outreach skills.
Through this in-person component, CAS impacted a total of 535 students. Of these, 185 were at the elementary level and 350 at the middle school level, paving the way for the establishment of a continuous path of scientific exposure and mentorship for K-12 students. The participating schools were located in the municipalities of San Juan, Guaynabo, Carolina, Ponce, Villalba, Guánica, Peñuelas, Guayanilla, Adjuntas, Yauco, Naranjito, and Salinas.
As part of the experience, elementary level students conducted an experiment to practice the scientific method and received a notebook with related activities, educational games, and coloring illustrations of the visiting experts, fostering a direct and meaningful connection with their STEM mentors. Meanwhile, middle school level students received two visits where they learned about STEM career paths, conducted experiments, and received mentorship using a Research and Science Fair Project Guide.
“The Scientists in Service school visits transform the classroom into a space of discovery, where students can interact directly with STEM professionals who show them that science is also done from Puerto Rico and for its communities. These experiences sow curiosity, confidence, and new academic and professional aspirations in our youth.” commented Dr. Abniel Machín de Jesús, Director of CienciaPR's Science Education Unit.
This component was made possible in part thanks to legislative funds and the contribution of the Assur, Angel Ramos, Liberty, and Ecoeléctrica foundations.
The most popular online STEM talks among students in Puerto Rico
In addition to in-person visits, the virtual talks component continued to expand access to STEM professions by offering 32 online talks, with almost 39,000 total views on its YouTube channel, and also featured participation from people in other countries such as Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and the Dominican Republic.
“The Scientists in Service talks continue to connect students with STEM professionals who serve as accessible and culturally relevant role models. These experiences help awaken scientific curiosity, explore vocations, and broaden their vision of the opportunities available in STEM,” stated Greetchen Díaz, executive director of CienciaPR.
CAS online presented a variety of topics in environmental sciences, health, chemistry, technology, paleontology, among many others, and surpassed its previous figures for redeemed digital certificates, achieving a total of 26,610. This series was made possible thanks to the support of Fundación Banco Popular and Evertec.
A more accessible and inclusive program
CienciaPR and its Scientists in Service program were chosen to participate in the “2026 Zero Barriers in STEM Education Summit” to be held in Washington, D.C. during the month of July. The team will be represented by members of CienciaPR's Science Education Unit, including its director, Abniel Machín De Jesús, CAS coordinator, Elvin Estrada García, and education specialist, Nelcie Colón Resto. Special education professor Bryan Rivera Medina will also be part of the team, which will seek to design an action plan to improve the educational experience of neuro-divergent students participating in CAS.
Additionally, Nelcie and Bryan were selected to participate in the “Smithsonian Science Education Academy for Teachers,” which will provide them with a professional development and “behind the scenes” experience at Smithsonian museums and research facilities. Both events are offered by the Smithsonian Science Education Center.
For more information about Scientists in Service and access to free educational resources, visit CienciaPR.org.