RET Program

The NSF Engineering Research Center for the Internet of Things for Precision Agriculture (IoT4Ag) seeks applicants for its Research Experience for Teachers (RET) Program for summer 2022.

This program is designed to give K-12 teachers the opportunity to work with scientists from the University of Pennsylvania on cutting-edge research to address the societal grand challenge of food, energy, and water security by advancing technologies that increase crop production. Participants will earn a summer stipend, along with a travel and classroom materials allowance, for conducting research and developing classroom activities alongside IoT4Ag researchers.

Program dates: Summer 2022

Program location: University of Pennsylvania 

Who is eligible: Philadelphia-based K-12 teachers (STEM teachers are especially encouraged to apply)

Program details: 

• RET participants will receive an $8,000 stipend, along with a parking/transportation supplement for the summer and access to a $1,000 materials budget for sensor and robotics kits

• RET participants are expected to commit 200 hours over eight weeks of the summer

• Half of participants’ time will be spent conducting research with a Penn Engineering project in the IoT4Ag Center (e.g. sensors, robotics, energy and communication devices)

• Half of participants’ time will be dedicated to training on K12 agricultural sensor and robotics kits, plus developing curriculum to use the kits in the classroom

Download the 2022 RET Call for Applications

Applications for the 2023 RET Program are expected to open in Spring 2023.

Please reach out to us at iot4ag@seas.upenn.edu with any questions.