Community Scholars Initiative
Our mission: A Community of Educational Excellence The mission of the Lake Nona community is to inspire human potential through innovative collaboration. Lake Nona is a community committed to sustainable design and healthy, education-centered living. We look to bring that mission and vision to the community's students through the Community Scholars Initiative.
Through partnership and collaboration with the University of Central Florida (UCF), Orange County Public Schools (OCPS), and the School District of Osceola County, Lake Nona and Valencia College have developed supplemental programs to support current classroom curriculums tailored to different age levels for elementary, middle, and high school students throughout the area.
As a living lab, Lake Nona is uniquely positioned to envision and develop this model educational ecosystem. Moreover, with its robust partnerships and culture of collaboration, the Lake Nona community has the capacity to bring the ecosystem to scale unlike any other community in the country and bring elevated educational opportunities to a wider audience.
Scientist-in-Residence Program
What is a Scientist-in-Residence?
A Scientist-in-residence is a volunteer who is passionate about helping inspire and
educate the future of STEAM. Scientists-in-residence will assist local teachers in
the classroom by increasing student engagement, interest in STEAM, and deeper level
understanding of crucial concepts.
About the program
The scientist-in-residence program will introduce students to local STEAM professionals,
create opportunities for inquiry-based and hands-on learning, and increase students’
exposure to potential career pathways in STEAM.
A Scientist-in-Residence will be partnered with a local elementary, middle, or high school to work with the administration and faculty on enhancing experiences of students in the classroom. This may include presentations, co-teaching, mentoring, advising on student projects, etc. depending on the needs and desires of each individual school.
Who can be a Scientist-in-residence?
- Any professional or graduate student from a science, technology, engineering, math or medicine field are welcome.
- Participants should have a minimum of a Master’s degree or 5 years post-baccalaureate professional experience.
- A passion for the outreach, diversity, inclusion, and education are highly desired.
- Experience in K-12 education is not required. Training will be provided.
- A letter of support from supervisors or principal investigators is required for participation in the program.
Commitment of a Scientist-in-Residence
- 1 year minimum commitment (September to May)
- Paired with one school in the greater Lake Nona area
- Minimum of one visit to partner school per month
