Apply to be an
SCL Ambassador in 2026!
The Science Communication Lab (SCL) Ambassador Program is back for its second year! After a successful launch, we’re excited to grow the program, welcome new educators, and create even more opportunities to bring science storytelling into classrooms across the country. If you’re a middle or high school educator teaching biology or environmental science in the U.S., this program is for you!
Why apply to be an SCL Ambassador?
At the Science Communication Lab (SCL), we believe science isn’t just facts—it’s people, stories, and the process of discovery. Our films highlight diverse scientists and the real-world nature of science, and when paired with hands-on activities, they spark curiosity, foster science identity, and deepen students’ understanding of how science works.
As an Ambassador, you’ll be at the heart of this mission. You’ll get the resources and support to bring these films into your classroom, design standards-aligned lessons that inspire students, and share what you learn with a larger community of like-minded educators. This program is about more than teaching—it’s about connecting, innovating, and inspiring the next generation of scientists.
As an SCL Ambassador, you’ll
Receive $1,000 honorarium for your participation, with the possibility of receiving more (see below).
Join a supportive community of practice with fellow educators.
Gain access to professional development and ready-to-use classroom tools.
Be featured on SCL channels to amplify your voice and your work.
Get opportunities to collaborate on outreach for an additional $1,000 honorarium.
Commitments if Selected:
Commit up to a full year starting in January 2026 and ending in December 2026.
Participate in 3–4 virtual professional development workshops.
Create and teach a lesson plan around an SCL film.
Collect and share classroom feedback (surveys, student work, quotes, reflections).
Complete a brief survey and two short interviews.
Share highlights of your classroom experience with SCL and your professional networks.
Who can apply?
Middle and high school biology and environmental science educators from across the U.S. Preference for educators from Title 1 schools, although everyone is highly encouraged to apply!
How to Apply
Sign up for a free educator account and complete the application by December 5, 2025.
Note: Although the application is short, you will want to review the application in advance of the due date to give yourself time to reflect on your answers.
Selected applicants will be invited to a short interview.
Questions? Please contact us!
Important Dates
- Dec 5, 2025: Applications close
- Jan 5, 2026: 8-10 Ambassadors selected, 4-5 educators per grade level cohort
- Jan 14, 2026: Kickoff PD workshop
- Feb 11 or 12, 2026: Evaluation PD workshop
- Mar–May 2026: Classroom implementation of film-based lessons
- June 10, 2026: Summit where Ambassadors share their work with each other
- Aug 5 or 6, 2026: Outreach PD workshop (for those interested, with additional honorarium)
- Aug–Nov 2026: Lesson plans published and promoted locally, regionally, and/or nationally
- Dec 9 or 10, 2026: Capstone Ambassador-led webinar
Not sure if all the dates work? No problem. Apply anyway, and we'll see if we can make it work.
Our 2025 SCL Ambassadors
From Alabama to West Virginia to Idaho, these exceptional educators are transforming science education through storytelling—both in their classrooms and across the country.
Minu Basu
AP Biology Teacher at Dougherty Valley High School in San Ramon, CA
Rebecca Brewer
AP Biology and 9th Grade Biology Teacher at Troy High School in Troy, MI
Christine Girtain
Director of Authentic Science Research at Toms River High Schools North and South in Toms River, NJ
Renee Haines
AP Biology and Dual Enrollment Biology Teacher at Martinsburg High School in Martinsburg, WV
Dan Vanden Heuvel
Biology, AP Biology, and Botany/Zoology Teacher at Wood River High School in Hailey, ID
Cohort Lead: Lee Meadows
Former Executive Director at Alabama STEM Council & Retired Professor in School of Education at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, AL
Award-winning films to inspire deep learning
Browse by Topic
Connected by a Mission
iBiology, iBiology Courses, and the Wonder Collaborative are all part of the Science Communication Lab
Science on the Big Screen
Wonder Collaborative is our feature film unit, celebrated for producing award-winning documentaries like Human Nature and Picture a Scientist. Check out our newest film: Observer.
600+ Talks & Lectures
iBiology is how we got our start. Search our archives of 600+ comprehensive lectures and talks along with educator resources, flipped courses, and our popular microscopy series.
Free Online Courses
We offer a bevy of self-paced professional development courses for early career scientists and researchers. Learn more.
