Jennifer Kopach is the CEO and SVP of Marketing Communications at Science Olympiad, the nation’s largest K-12 team STEM competition. She oversees operations and manages partnerships with leading businesses, government agencies, scientific associations, and higher education institutions who join Science Olympiad’s mission of improving the STEM experience for students, families, and teachers. Jennifer works tirelessly to position Science Olympiad as a well-functioning nonprofit organization devoted to program service and excellence at 50 state chapters and 57 alumni chapters across the US. She is also the President and CEO of the Science Olympiad USA Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to carrying out the charitable, educational, and scientific purposes of Science Olympiad.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- [02:03] Jennifer Kopach shares her journey from PR to Science Olympiad CEO
- [05:39] Science Olympiad’s growth from a basement startup
- [09:29] How the socio-emotional aspects of Science Olympiad fortify academic learning
- [11:55] The depth of educational opportunities the Science Olympiad competitions offer
- [19:58] How alumni chapters contribute to the ongoing passion for STEM and community service
- [23:24] Jennifer discusses the impact of the Science Olympiad Foundation’s grants on advancing STEM research
- [29:43] The significant challenges facing nonprofits today and how to overcoming them
- [37:17] Jennifer’s philosophy on leadership, collaboration, and community in nurturing talent
In this episode…
Science competitions often focus on individual achievements, leaving teamwork and interdisciplinary learning as secondary concerns. However, Science Olympiad takes a different approach, combining hands-on collaboration with real-world scientific challenges to prepare students for future STEM careers. How does this program inspire the talented problem solvers of tomorrow by transforming an after-school activity into a nationwide movement?
Jennifer Kopach, the driving force behind Science Olympiad, shares her journey from a PR and marketing professional to the CEO of a leading STEM competition organization. She recounts how Science Olympiad grew from her parents’ basement endeavor into a nationwide initiative that fosters academic excellence and creates a robust community among students and educators. With a competition structure that allows students to specialize in diverse scientific fields while learning teamwork and problem-solving, they develop skills that translate into future careers in medicine, engineering, and research. Jennifer emphasizes the organization’s role in shaping future scientists, highlighting its unique ability to offer students a broad choice of disciplines and the opportunity to compete and collaborate.
In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Jennifer Kopach, CEO and SVP of Marketing Communications at Science Olympiad, about the transformative power of Science Olympiad in STEM education. Jennifer discusses the organization’s growth from a basement startup, the depth of educational opportunities it offers, how alumni chapters contribute to the ongoing passion for STEM and community service, and the impact of the Science Olympiad Foundation’s grants on STEM research.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Quotable moments:
- “Science Olympiad is the original STEM startup, combining service, business, love, and family in an incredible mission-driven endeavor.”
- “Nonprofit leaders are part of a big community. We’re all in the service of helping people and improving lives.”
- “True success in nonprofits comes from collaboration, emotional intelligence, and the ability to be wrong and learn.”
- “Science Olympiad saved them during COVID; it was their social safety net and community.”
- “For Science Olympiad alums, it’s not just about academics; it’s about building a lasting social fabric and community.”
Action Steps:
- Develop a roll-up-your-sleeves mentality: Embracing the willingness to engage in all aspects of a project or organization, even the less glamorous tasks, fosters a deep understanding of the organization’s needs and promotes a proactive problem-solving attitude.
- Build a strong community network: Connecting with like-minded individuals who share your passion and mission acts as a support system, providing resources and encouragement.
- Focus on cross-disciplinary skills: Pursuing learning opportunities that span multiple fields rather than specializing too early allows for greater problem-solving capabilities and adaptability.
- Prioritize emotional intelligence: Cultivate self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate and lead.
- Advocate for your mission: Effective advocacy can attract partnerships and funding, ensuring sustainability and growth.
Sponsor for this episode…
Today’s episode is sponsored by Paul Gregory Media, an 18-year-old digital marketing agency in downtown Naperville, Illinois.
They are one of the few thousand Certified B Corporations worldwide, demonstrating PGM as a leader of a global movement to use business as a force for good, meeting high standards of accountability, transparency, and community involvement. They have been trusted by hundreds of organizations since 2006.
PGM is recognized as one of the top marketing agencies in the region, earning more awards than many of its competitors combined. They have the passion, commitment, and expertise to get it done.
To learn more about the services PGM offers or how they can support you with your marketing needs, visit www.paulgregorymedia.com or email them at [email protected].
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