A Journey Into STEM Education

For Jonathan Carter and Dannette Fadness, the Unite program has been more than just an academic initiative—it’s been a game-changer for the students it serves. As key leaders within the University of Montana’s TRIO Upward Bound program, they have dedicated their careers to providing high school students with immersive, college-level experiences that inspire them to pursue higher education, particularly in STEM fields.

Jonathan, originally from Indiana, studied psychological sciences at Purdue University before serving two years in AmeriCorps. His path led him to Montana, where he transitioned into his position at Upward Bound. He now serves as the Program Manager, overseeing budgeting and reporting while beginning his master’s in public administration at the University of Montana. Dannette, the Director of TRIO Upward Bound, has an extensive background in educational leadership and civic engagement, previously leading the Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement’s AmeriCorps College Coach program. She played a pivotal role in bringing Jonathan to Montana and later hiring him to join the program’s leadership team. 

Bringing STEM to Life with Unite

In 2023, Dannette saw an opportunity to enhance Upward Bound’s summer offerings by securing a grant from the Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) to launch a Unite program. This addition has been transformational, providing students with hands-on STEM experiences that align with Upward Bound’s mission of preparing students for college.

Serving 35 high school students from Missoula and the Blackfeet Nation, the program offers an intensive six-week residential experience where high school students live in residence halls, take STEM courses, and participate in many experiential learning opportunities. This immersive approach helps students see themselves on a college campus, making higher education feel tangible and accessible.

One of the standout experiences made possible by Unite was a trip to Montana State University’s Montana Nanotechnology Facility. Students suited up to explore a state-of-the-art clean room (an engineered space that maintains a very low concentration of airborne particulates) where they observed a gold-patterned wafer used in research—an unforgettable moment that highlighted the real-world applications of STEM. Students even received their own vial of magnetic nanoparticles to take home. Other adventures included a visit to Yellowstone National Park, where MSU professors led discussions on geology and extremophiles, and an exploration of the Museum of the Rockies, where students engaged with tyrannosaurus rex fossils and learned from paleontologists.

Making Science Fun and Accessible

The summer program’s emphasis on hands-on STEM education has been a highlight for both students and staff. Jonathan’s favorite part was helping students feel welcome and at home on a college campus, a critical step in their academic journeys. For Dannette, one of the program’s highlights was bringing in experts like Nobel Peace Prize winner Steve Running, who spoke about climate change, and Bryan von Lossberg, who worked on the Mars Pathfinder rover mission. The program also featured “G. Wiz”—a retired chemistry professor known for his explosive demonstrations that make science come alive.

Another unforgettable experience involved working with honey bee researcher Scott Debnam, who gave students the chance to hold live bees and identify a queen bee at the local insectarium. They even tried chocolate- and ranch-covered crickets, an unexpected (and tasty) way to engage with entomology.

Beyond the Summer: Building a Lasting Community

One of the most powerful takeaways from Unite has been the sense of community it fosters. Jonathan emphasized how the program not only introduces students to STEM but also builds lasting relationships. Many students, particularly those from the Blackfeet Nation, continue to stay connected throughout the school year, reinforcing their support networks as they transition to college.

Tracking student progress is a key aspect of the program. The U.S. Department of Education requires Upward Bound to follow students for six years after high school graduation, monitoring their college enrollment and program choices. By collaborating with other TRIO programs and institutions like Blackfeet Community College, the team ensures that students receive continued support as they move into higher education.

Ultimately, Unite has provided students with opportunities that extend beyond the summer, sparking curiosity, building confidence, and reinforcing the idea that they belong in STEM fields.

To learn more about Unite, click here.