The Society for Science Advocate Program is a national initiative designed to expand access to STEM research and competitions for students, particularly those from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. For the 2026–2027 school year, the Society selected 100 educators nationwide to participate as Advocates, as well at 13 Lead Advocates. As one of the 13 selected Lead Advocates, Dittrich receives dedicated funding and leads a peer cohort, helping fellow teachers navigate competition applications, build sustainable programs, and guide middle and high school students into national research competitions.
Stepping Into Leadership
Transitioning from an advocate to a Lead Advocate has expanded Dittrich's reach from his classroom in Dayton to a national network of STEM educators."With the regular advocate, it's really promoting students entering into competitions and really taking it to that next level. In that respect, with the lead advocate, now I'm the one helping those teachers."
Dittrich guides a monthly virtual cohort of six to eight teachers. Together, they share strategies to help students succeed in high-level research competitions.
Removing Barriers for Middle School Strudents
At the heart of Dittrich's work is a desire to show middle schoolers that background or economic circumstances do not limit their potential in STEM. By using National Heritage Academies'® (NHA®) Moral Focus™ program, which weaves essential virtues like perseverance, courage, and wisdom into daily learning he is empowering his students to take ownership of complex research and overcome setbacks."My big thing with it is really increasing the accessibility and getting rid of the stigma for a lot of students.
"My hope is that I can help teachers struggling to figure out how do I get these kids engaged and understanding that they have opportunities. The barriers that they think they have are all mental, and that we can eliminate those barriers."
Pioneering Early Career Exploration
Dittrich’s passion for hands-on opportunities began six years ago when he introduced HOSA-Future Health Professionals (formerly known as Health Occupations Students of America) to his middle school students. Finding very few middle school competitions in Ohio at the time, he partnered with state leaders to advocate for younger students."One of the problems that I had seen is that a lot of high schools don't do any career exploration until junior year. It really is too late because at that point, they're applying for colleges that same year and they're just figuring out what program they want to do. We have been working hard to introduce that thinking to the younger grades."
Beyond health sciences, Dittrich encourages students to take on real-world engineering and research challenges. His advice to fellow educators looking to empower their students is simple: trust the students and utilize local resources.
"What I find is when we open up these experiences for our students they find purpose. They have something to look forward to."
Encouraging Fellow Educators to Join
Having witnessed the impact of the program, Dittrich strongly encourages fellow educators, especially middle school teachers, to explore and apply for the Society for Science Advocate Program."It is an amazing program. It doesn't take a lot of effort to really participate in it, but it is an incredible way to see all the different opportunities that are out there for our students."
Congratulations Harry Dittrich! Your dedication to expanding STEM access, empowering fellow educators through the Society for Science Advocate Program, and inspiring students to realize their full potential is worth celebrating. Thank you for all that you do for Pathways School of Discovery and beyond!
About Pathway School of Discovery
Pathway School of Discovery is a tuition-free, public charter school in Dayton, Ohio, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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