From 5 to 35: fostering the next generation of Arctic scientists

Abstract. Out-of-classroom Education and Outreach initiatives can improve the uptake of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths courses at higher education and can help address gender balances within the fields. Arctic Frontiers, a non-profit organisation based in Tromsø, Norway, has been running various projects under the Young Program banner since 2012. Through their four programs, ranging in levels from Kindergarten to Early Career Professionals (and ages from 5 to 35), over 3000 individuals have been exposed to Arctic research and science through workshops, mentoring, career seminars and excursions. With the rate of climate change in the Arctic and the geopolitical changes in the region, Education and Outreach initiatives focusing on Arctic science are now even more crucial, but potentially more challenging to run. This study evaluates the main educational activities and the best practices of the Arctic Frontiers Education and Outreach programs from the last decade, to highlight a number of possible programs which can be run in regions inside and outside of the Arctic. Additionally, a first analysis of the reach and success of the program is provided, by identifying trends in participant numbers, geographical interest and demographic identifiers. There has been an increase in participation across three of the four programs, including an increase in international participation and from those representing Arctic nations. Qualitative feedback from participants reveals that the programs are having a positive influence on their choice of Science Technology Engineering and Maths education or careers. Applications for the two programs with mentoring aspects are dominated by women, which reflects some of the current literature regarding women seeking formal mentorship for career development from areas outside of the Arctic.