Air Across Texas

The Air Across Texas project is a high school student research project funded by the National Science Foundation (Award # 2325570) designed to engage high school students across the state of Texas in academic research focused on air quality. The program emphasizes the quality and development of the research process and will use hands-on project-based learning to enable students to understand how to use a research-based approach when encountering challenging scientific concepts or subjects. The AAT program ran twice, each time in four phases. These phases included virtual and in-person settings and emphasize parallel active learning (via hands-on activities) and teamwork. Students received a stipend after completing each phase and full financial support for required travel. 

Program Highlights

• $2,000 stipend (paid in increments after each phase)
• Gain valuable mentorship and research experience
• Virtual monthly meetings
• Field equipment provided
• Several free trips to visit Texas Tech University

The project was conducted in four phases and contained two cohorts 2024-2025 and 2025-2026:

• Phase 1 (Virtual ): Students were introduced to different scientific topics to increase knowledge and prepare for the next phase
• Phase 2 (Virtual ): Students focused on hands-on research-based project using a low-costs quality sensor provided by the project and placed around their homes
• Phase 3 (Face-to-face): Students came to TTU for a 1-week Summer Research Symposium (SRS). Students had social and scientific activities and workshops to prepare them for college experiences. Parents attended TTU for the beginning of the program to learn about potential STEM careers, collegiate opportunities, and ways to support their students. 
• Phase 4 (Face-to-face): Students presented their research at the TrUE  Symposium (Paid trip with parents to Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX).

Project Outcomes