Dayton Chief Science Officers (CSOs) Program (Sinclair)

Provided By

Chief Science Officers stand for a group picture

The Dayton Chief Science Officers (CSOs) is modeled after SciTech’s national program, but curates a specialized local program to meet regional college and career workforce needs. SCC’s Dayton CSO program gives 9th - 12th grade students the opportunity to develop leadership, mentorship, collaboration, community building, self-advocacy, project management, and public speaking skills while participating in college and career readiness activities, like industry tours, college STEM workshops, and professional conferences.

Logic Model

Program Activities

Students

Gain an awareness of STEM education opportunities
Gain an increased awareness of STEM careers and career pathways
Network with STEM professionals in informal settings.
Develop leadership and mentorship skills through Six Sigma certification and outreach conducted as part of CSO action plans

Program Near-Term Outcomes

Students

Increase awareness of STEM careers
Increase awareness of STEM career pathways
Improve leadership and mentoring skills (21st century skills)

DSEC Near-Term Outcomes

Students

Increased participant awareness of, and interest in, STEM research and careers
Increased participant STEM competencies (skills, knowledge, abilities, and confidence)

Participant Perspectives

Participant perspectives reflect survey responses from 2025-2026, the first year of survey administration.

Of 29 student participants, 19 responded to the survey.

Students

Grades 6-8

Nothing at all
A little
Some
A lot

The Dayton Chief Science Officers (CSOs) Program increased my awareness of STEM careers.

94.7%

n = 19 valid responses

Grades 6-16

Disagree
Slightly Agree
Moderately Agree
Strongly Agree

Chief Science Officers improved my leadership skills.

15.8% 31.6% 52.6%

n = 19 valid responses

Chief Science Officers improved my collaboration skills.

42.1% 57.9%

n = 19 valid responses

Chief Science Officers improved my leadership skills for advocating for STEM learning opportunities for students.

21.1% 73.7%

n = 19 valid responses

Chief Science Officers improved my confidence for speaking to audiences including adults and people my age.

15.8% 21.1% 63.2%

n = 19 valid responses

Chief Science Officers improved my awareness of STEM education opportunities available to me.

10.5% 21.1% 68.4%

n = 19 valid responses

Program Data

Program data includes participants from both years of Base Period (2024-2025 and 2025-2026).

Students

43 total student participants

Student Grade Level

Military-Connected Students

Category	Count	%
Military-connected	6	14%
Not Military-connected Student	37	86%

Other programs from Partner

Summer STEM Program (Sinclair CC)

STEM Enrichment & Career Exploration (Sinclair CC)