DOYLESTOWN, PA — The Bucks County Intermediate Unit (Bucks IU) has been awarded a $90,000 grant to expand its Chief Science Officers (CSO) program in Bucks County.
The CSO program is an internationally recognized STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) leadership initiative that empowers students in grades 6–12 to design and lead projects addressing real community needs.
The grant, awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Education Job Training and Education Programs, will allow more schools and students across Bucks County to participate in the program.
Dylan Fedell, a physics teacher, Chief Science Officer Advisor, and STEM Outreach Club Advisor at Palisades High School in Kintnersville, partnered with the Bucks IU and State Rep. Brian Munroe to support the grant application.
“By investing in student-led initiatives and supporting teacher advisors, we can broaden participation, deepen community partnerships, and amplify student voice,” said Fedell. “Most importantly, this funding allows schools to experience the impact of the CSO program firsthand, paving the way to embed both the program and the innovation it sparks into the fabric of their schools.”
The CSO program develops a network of STEM-focused student leaders by engaging them in community-based STEM planning and projects. The goal is to build a stronger STEM culture, expand STEM career awareness, and provide students with a platform to participate in meaningful community conversations.
Founded in 2019, the Bucks County CSO program currently includes four school districts. The new grant will provide specialized training for advisors and support expansion to additional districts and schools. It will also fund implementation resources and offer stipends to support advisor participation.
“It is exciting to now be able to offer STEM teachers additional supports so that they may engage in this outstanding program,” said Maryann Molishus, Southeast Pennsylvania CSO Program Coordinator and Bucks IU Teaching and Learning Specialist. “We look forward to adding more districts and schools to the Bucks County CSO Cabinet.”
The Bucks IU will lead program expansion by partnering with Bucks County school districts, individual schools, and Career and Technical Centers to promote the program and encourage educators to serve as CSO advisors.
Once a district designates an advisor, the Bucks IU will work with them to help set up the district’s CSO program. Chief Science Officers serve as STEM ambassadors in their districts, connecting peers and communities to STEM opportunities.
Participation in the program is highly sought after, and the grant also provides funding to support the annual student-led projects that are a cornerstone of the CSO experience.
“The CSO Program was an incredible opportunity to get involved, build leadership skills for college, and explore something I’m truly passionate about,” said Kaya Rutstein, a Chief Science Officer graduate from Palisades High School.