Description:

The connection between pre-college students and the atmospheric sciences is a critical component to encouraging our future generations to become involved both personally and professionally in the weather and climate industry.  Making strong connections with the younger generation cultivates a lifelong passion for atmospheric sciences.  Further, the National Science Foundation actively encourages atmospheric science professionals to cultivate broader impacts within the general public. This session will focus on pre-college opportunities and initiatives that focus on the K-12 environment, as well as informal education. Topics on experiential learning opportunities, collaborations with local schools that work with private, government, and higher learning institutions are encouraged to submit an abstract.  Current pre-college students are strongly encouraged to present their involvement with atmospheric sciences in this session.