Partner with Us

Students looking at documents at desks

Historically, NSF SOARS has focused on preparing students for academic and research careers. The program is expanding its scope to intentionally engage with the private sector. We are partnering with professionals across our network to identify workforce-relevant skills often underemphasized in traditional academic training and provide students with unique private-industry perspectives.

Partnership Outcomes

Private sector partnerships with NSF SOARS connect traditional research training with real-world applications, preparing Proteges for success across a broader range of workplace settings and supporting professional identity formation early in their academic journeys. These partnerships also foster meaningful collaboration among academia, government, and industry to benefit society and the U.S. economy. 

Partnership Benefits

Partnering with NSF SOARS is a unique opportunity to shape the next generation of Earth system sciences talent. You will gain access to emerging professionals, influence skill development to align with your industry needs, and demonstrate your organization's commitment to workforce development. 

The NSF SOARS team will manage student recruitment, selection, logistics, communications, mentorship connections, and evaluation. Our program is well established, awarded, and respected, which you can read more about on our History page. 

Ways to Engage

There are several ways you can participate with NSF SOARS: 

  1. Hosted Internship: Host a Protege for a summer externship within your organization. 
  2. Mentorship: Provide a professional mentor to an NSF SOARS Protege. 
  3. Event Sponsorship: Co-brand NSF SOARS events, such as the end-of-summer research colloquium and summer student conference. 
  4. Professional Development: Participate in resume workshops, interview preparation, career panels, or facility visits. 
  5. Program Sponsorship: Contribute to assist with program planning, operational stability, enhanced recognition, and a deeper relationship with the program.

Learn more about these options in the NSF SOARS Corporate Partnership Program document. 

Get In Touch

To learn more, ask questions, or share interest in partnering, email the team at soars@ucar.edu. We would love to find the right fit for your organization.