The Washington Space Grant STEM Leadership Collective workshop debuted for the first time in February 2025, thanks to the support of the University of Washington Diversity Seed Grant and the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics. The initial workshop had 17 students in attendance. In just one year, the workshop participation tripled! With over 60 students from 16 different WA State institutions in attendance, the 2026 workshop proved to be successful in preparing students for the next steps in their career.
The STEM Leadership Collective workshop was created to connect college students and industry professionals with shared identities. Whether that be building upon student skills, teaching how to tailor their resumes, or creating a physical space for current college students to meet industry professionals in the workforce. The Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium strongly believes in removing access barriers to STEM pathways, and so started this free workshop to create opportunities for students.
Students who attended the 2026 workshop, left with resources, network connections, and practical skills they can use to enhance their career journey. Based on post-event survey data, 96% of respondents agreed that the experience helped them improve their ability to talk with STEM students and improved their understanding of good professional communication practices. Along with this data, 100% of respondents agreed that the workshop helped them improve their strategies for maintaining professional relationships in STEM.
The day-long event consisted of a keynote speaker, large group sessions, small breakout sessions that students self-selected, a networking lunch, and a career panel. Altogether, students connected with over 30 industry professionals and over 60 peers across 16 different academic institutions. The full day workshop enhanced students academic and professional skills, while learning more about different career pathways.
We would like to extend a heartfelt and sincere thank you to the industry professionals who took the time on a Saturday to join us in expanding the students network and career awareness. Thank you to our wonderful presenters from UW LiveWell, The Q Center, UW Resilience Lab, Blue Origin, Microsoft, Path to UW, UW College of Engineering Career Center, and our very own Space Grant Grad Fellows who contributed their time to make this event a great success! We would also like to thank our STEM Leadership Collective advisory committee members, who contributed their time and experience working with community college students to support the planning of this event.
We are looking forward to continuing to support students with this event. Save the date for our next workshop coming February 20, 2027! We are always searching for eager students, and supportive industry partners to join us. Reach out to us at nasa@uw.edu if you have any questions.
Please consider donating to help us reach more students and expand Space Grant programs.
Written by Alexandra Walters