NPI

Nuclear Power Institute

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Achieving Together with Optimistic Mentoring (ATOM)

ATOM and WIT students working through a science experiment in a high school lab.
WIT and ATOM students working through a science experiment during a mentoring event.

ATOM is a WIT-supported program with a yearlong commitment between WIT member mentors and ATOM mentees. The ATOM group provides WIT members an opportunity to give back by interacting and mentoring young elementary and middle school students – engaging them in academic activities that impassion these students to stay focused on a strong STEM path. The intent of the ATOM program is to create a “spark” that ignites a unique collaborative and nurturing relationship between older and younger students interested in pursuing STEM. During the 2019-2020 school year, our WIT members mentored over 900 elementary and middle school students.

 

Picture of ATOM students in front of NASA rockets
Picture of ATOM alumni student
Picture of ATOM alumni students

 

Achieving Together with Optimistic Mentoring (ATOM) alumni students, Ridge Aventurado, Chase Cobbin, Jackson Leinweber, and Seth Polk reflect on their experience in the NPI ATOM program. Each student expressed their interest in a STEM discipline and that they enjoy the challenges and creativity that STEM demands. The students’ favorite activities in ATOM were a Thanksgiving themed engineering challenge and a field trip to NASA. Each of these students also stated they want to join WIT once they get into High School.