About

The USGS Youth and Education in Science (YES) program plays a vital role in developing the next generation of scientists and leaders by engaging students, educators, and early-career professionals in STEM learning and research opportunities. As part of the USGS’s broader commitment to scientific excellence, the YES program operates within the Office of Science Quality and Integrity (OSQI), ensuring that education and workforce development initiatives align with the USGS mission of delivering reliable, high-quality science. 

The Connection Between YES and OSQI 

The YES program is housed within OSQI to integrate youth engagement and education efforts with the USGS overarching principles of scientific integrity, quality assurance, and workforce development. This alignment strengthens the USGS’s ability to inspire and prepare future scientists while maintaining the agency’s high standards of research and scientific communication. 

Key Areas of Collaboration 

• STEM Education and Outreach: YES supports a variety of educational programs, including internships, mentoring opportunities, and classroom resources, ensuring that students have access to USGS science. OSQI provides the framework to maintain scientific accuracy and integrity in these initiatives. 

• Workforce Development: Through its relationship with OSQI, YES helps shape the next generation of scientists by connecting early-career researchers with training and career development opportunities that emphasize best practices in science and research. 

• Scientific Integrity and Education: The collaboration ensures that educational materials and student research projects adhere to USGS’s rigorous scientific integrity policies, promoting critical thinking and ethical research practices. 

   

By working within OSQI, the YES program reinforces the USGS’s mission to advance scientific knowledge while inspiring the next generation of geoscientists, environmental researchers, and science communicators. This relationship enhances the USGS’s capacity to educate, mentor, and empower students and young professionals, ensuring a strong STEM workforce for the future.