Joe Wilson Science Consultant Program

The Joe Wilson Science Consultant Program (JWSCP) is a volunteer based program that places science experts in classrooms to lead interactive programs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), igniting students’ curiosity in these fields.

Our consultants collaborate with classroom teachers before every visit. With a library of over forty hands-on programs, consultants ensure each program supports class curriculum and inspires a life-long passion for STEM. Some of the most-requested programs include:

• States of Matter
• Intro to Electricity
• Engineering Structures
• Intro to Magnetism
• Weather
• Ecology: Oil Spill

This program was founded in 1968 in partnership with Xerox Corporation. Their sponsorship covers the bulk of the program, staff, and material expenses. Most recently, Optimax has joined us to sponsor special events bringing JWSCP students to the museum for hands-on programming–events have so far included a maker faire and light and optics demonstrations that complement JWSCP lessons. Thanks to our Volunteer Consultants and corporate sponsorship, this program is free to participating schools.

BECOME A SCIENCE CONSULTANT! 

Reach out to us by calling 585-697-1984 or emailing ScienceConsultantProgram@rmsc.org to learn more or participate. 

OUR IMPACT

SPARKING INTEREST IN STEM 

The program helps students think of themselves as scientists in their daily life and encourages them to imagine a future where they lead the world as STEM professionals. The program works to: 

• Support our community and country in improving STEM education. 
• Provide role models of all races, genders, and backgrounds, who have achieved success in science or technical careers.

THE STUDENTS WE SERVE: 

Our program primarily serves students in grade 4, however, programs can be altered to cater to other grade levels. Our primary commitment continues to be to the Rochester City School District where we hope to continue growing the number of schools in participation. We also support Webster Central School District elementary schools. When possible, we support consultants who have a desire to provide programming to additional schools within Monroe County. 

FOLLOW UP SURVEYS WITH TEACHERS REVEAL THAT: 

• Consultants increase student interest in STEM fields
• Teachers are eager to have Consultants return to their classrooms 
• Students improved their knowledge of science through participation in the program
• Teachers learned more about science, and good ways to teach it, as a result of of the Consultants work
• Teachers agree that Consultants serve as positive role models for students in the classroom

WHAT OUR CONSULTANTS ARE SAYING…

I became a Science Consultant to share my love of science and help address the inequity that exists between the resources available to our city schools relative to our suburban schools.

Barry Mandel, Consultant for 13 years

JWSCP is the ideal combination of foundational scientific understanding, community involvement, and light-hearted fun. I leave every time with a greater appreciation for the job teachers do and a renewed energy for my own work.

Matt Storey, Consultant for 7 years

Sharing scientific discovery with young, bright inquisitive students is exciting! The hands-on activities cement the learning and these experiences really stick with the kids long after the lesson time.

Nancy Belknap, Consultant for 20 years

BECOME A SCIENCE CONSULTANT! 

Reach out to us by calling 585-697-1984 or ScienceConsultantProgram@rmsc.org to learn more or participate. 

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO XEROX FOUNDER JOE WILSON

Joseph C. Wilson (1909-1971) was the late founder and long-time President, CEO, and Chairman of Xerox. His faith in the largely undeveloped process of xerography led to one of the most successful products ever introduced and to a revolution in communications.

He believed passionately in the duty of business to serve society. The Joe Wilson Science Consultant Program, founded in 1968, grew out of his personal commitment to the improvement of opportunities for students in the inner-city schools when Rochester suffered great racial unrest, largely due to economic disparity. Our Science Consultants proudly carry on his legacy of caring commitment to the young people of our communities.

Thank you to our additional sponsors

We wouldn’t be able to do some of the outstanding outreach work that our team coordinates without the support of our sponsors. Our 2022 official partnership with Optimax has re-launched the program and brought in over 700 RCSD students in just three days this fall, bringing excitement about STEM directly to young Rochester learners.