From Five to Thirty-Five: Fostering the Next Generation of Arctic Scientists

Abstract. Out-of-classroom Education and Outreach (E&O) initiatives can improve the uptake of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) 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, E&O initiatives focusing on Arctic science are now even more crucial, but potentially more challenging to run. This study outlines the main educational activities and the best practices from the last decade, to provide a template for science communication and outreach. 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.