Collaboration Between Verde Valley’s Science Vortex and Sedona Sister City Association

The Science Vortex in Verde Valley has teamed up with the Sedona Sister City Association (SSCA) to send its president, Laurie Alitlinger, along with her eighth-grade son Kellan and her daughter Mika, a junior at Mingus Union High School, to connect with scientists in Jaslo, Poland this summer.

“Science Vortex has a solid background in practical education programs, but Gen Science offers advanced infrastructure and resources, which makes this collaboration quite promising,” the SSCA press release noted.

The Chief Science Officer (CSO) program was established by the Tempe-based Scitech Institute. It includes students from grades 6 to 12, chosen by their peers as STEM leaders. These students collaborate with experts to spearhead community STEM projects, like organizing star parties and monthly “Kids Night Out” events. According to the Scitech website, the program currently includes participants from 15 states, as well as countries like Colombia, Mexico, Kenya, Kuwait, and the UAE.

“This year, each school in Verde Valley has 13 CSOs, along with a number of homeschoolers,” Alitlinger mentioned. “I welcome applications from anyone. They just need to commit for the year and keep an eye on their emails.”

To participate, students must complete leadership training, attend autumn and spring meetings in Cottonwood, and devise an action plan aimed at providing science education to other kids.

“Through this program, I’ve met people studying biomedical engineering at ASU, and it really inspired me. I want to be a biomedical engineer when I grow up,” expressed Mica Alitlinger.

“The CSO program is particularly beneficial in our area since it exposes kids from rural backgrounds to opportunities available in Phoenix and beyond,” Alitlinger added. “It truly widens their perspectives on new technologies and career paths.”

The partnership was facilitated by SSCA board member Dongloves. Both organizations plan to hold science festivals—one in Jaslo in the fall and another in Verde Valley in February. Alitlinger stated they hope to involve students from both regions through virtual workshops or joint activities.

“Our long-term aspiration is for Science Vortex kids to travel to Poland, work in museums for two weeks, and potentially establish a formal exchange program,” Alitlinger said, noting that language barriers should not pose a challenge for students.

“My meetings were conducted in English. We teach in English, and much of their promotional material is available in both Polish and English,” Alitlinger explained.

Science Vortex is also collaborating with CAMP Verde Middle School to broaden its CSO program.

“Once you become a CSO, I encourage you to seize every opportunity,” Mica Alitlinger shared. “For instance, tomorrow I’ll get to visit Cartner Cavern State Park and learn how they operate behind the scenes through this program.”

Students from grades 6 to 12 in Verde Valley are invited to join the CSO program. Interested individuals can reach out via email for more information.