EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — An El Pasoan is among 61 extraordinary educators to receive a stipend from a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing STEM education nationwide.
Alfred Olivas from INSIGHTS Science Discovery in El Paso has been selected for the Society’s 2025-2026 Advocate Program. This year, the program is providing a total of $228,000 to support mentorship of students in STEM research and competitions, according to a news release by the nonprofit.
Sixty-one advocates received $3,000 stipends, and nine lead advocates received $5,000 each, Olivas included.
Olivas is an experienced educator with over 25 years of experience spanning multiple countries, including roles as a curriculum director, education consultant, teacher trainer and instructional coach.
He specializes in science education and instructional coaching, holding several certifications. Olivas has also developed expertise in curriculum development across diverse educational settings in the U.S., China, Vietnam, Venezuela and Egypt, according to the nonprofit.
“Being an Advocate isn’t just about guiding students through competitions, it’s about igniting the spark that transforms curiosity into lifelong passion. When you help underrepresented students navigate their research journeys, you’re not only opening doors to scientific achievement, but also showing them that those doors were always meant for them to walk through. In this role, you become the bridge between potential and possibility, empowering students to find their voice in science and recognize that their unique perspectives are exactly what scientific innovation needs,” Olivas said.
The nonprofit said lead advocates mentor and support their educator cohorts, while all advocates work to increase the number of students they guide through independent research projects and STEM competitions each year.
“Congratulations to the 2025 Advocates. Their relentless dedication to mentoring students is transforming how STEM is taught and experienced. By providing educators with resources and support to guide their students in scientific research and ultimately competing in STEM competitions, we empower the next generation to solve the world’s most intractable problems,” said Maya Ajmera, president and CEO of Society for Science and Executive Publisher of Science News. “At Society for Science, we are shaping a future where students will not just learn science, but they will lead it.”
In total, 439 teachers from 47 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and the Mariana Islands have participated in the program.
Since its inception in 2015, the Advocate Program has been a key part of the Society’s outreach initiatives, building and connecting a national community of STEM and research educators, according to the nonprofit.
You can explore all the profiles of this year’s advocates here.
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