SciComm STEP: Sparking Transitions
for Experienced Professionals
Spring 2024 SciComm STEP applications are now closed. Spring 2025 dates are set- complete our interest form if you want information on future cohorts.
The spring 2025 cohort of SciComm STEP will meet virtually on 5 consecutive Thursdays, January 16 - February 13, 2025, at 6-7:30 pm BST/1-2:30 pm ET/10-11:30 am PT.
Applications will open October 1 and application review will begin November 4. Initial selection decisions will be announced by November 8. If there are remaining slots in the program, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until January 13, 2025 at 11:00 am ET. Full payment will be due before the program starts.
100% of participants credit STEP with:
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catalyzing mindset changes
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changing professional workflows
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triggering thoughtful career advancement action
This is such an excellent program. It is so well done, so well thought out, so inclusive, so supportive. I wish it were longer.
All participants said they would recommend STEP.
No participants were aware of other programs that address mid-career scicomm needs the way that STEP does.
About the program
Experienced science communicators (SCs) are hitting a professional development ceiling: most trainings for SCs impart entry-level skills to early-career communicators. STEP is a virtual, intensive career coaching program centered on (a) mindset and habit-building which are (b) enhanced through an actively facilitated community of practice. STEP guides experienced SCs to use their experience on themselves to overcome career-advancement barriers.
The first, pilot run of SciComm STEP took place October - November 2022 and was fully funded by the National Association of Science Writers. The impact of this program on cohort 1 participants exceeded even our most audacious hopes and made it clear just how badly this kind of program is needed, and just how much good it can do for the science communication community.
If you are a funder: SciComm STEP is relatively inexpensive and results in big impact (impact summary available in the "STEP resources" dropdown below). Please get in touch if you'd like to chat about sponsoring a cohort or sustaining this program into the future.