Kelsi Wilcox Boyles

Russell native Kelsi Wilcox Boyles has been accepted as one of 19 ambassadors in the Pennsylvania STEM Ambassador Program.

The initiative aims to shape the future of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education in the commonwealth by targeting vital policy conversations to legislative leadership in the areas of STEM Learning ecosystems, computer science, state and federal policy for formal and informal education, and workforce needs.

PA STEM Ambassadors met for an inaugural training session Feb. 28 and March 1.

“My goal is to provide opportunities for ALL of our students — rural students, students with learning disabilities, girls in STEM — to pique their interest and lead to a pathway for their future. I am very excited to begin my work as a PA STEM Ambassador and to be an advocate for our students, educators, and families,” Boyles said.

“The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a leader in STEM and, to maintain that edge, we must develop leaders to advocate for bipartisan support in advancing, impactful STEM education policies,” Steven Williams, associate director of the Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network said. “The PA STEM Ambassadors are vital to shaping STEM education and workforce policies. They played a role in shaping PAsmart and the landscape of STEM Learning Ecosystems.”

Boyles has been employed by Riverview Intermediate Unit No. 6 in Clarion, PA since 2014 and takes pride in connecting regional educators, students, and their families to quality resources and initiatives. She serves as a PAIU STEM Leadership team member, Remake Learning Days Northwest PA organizer, Pennsylvania PBS Western PA Lead, Code.org Facilitator, CMU CS Academy Facilitator and a Common Sense Education Ambassador.