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Mitch Aiken

Caltech WEPOC Board representative

Mitch Aiken, M.Ed. uses informal and formal educational mechanisms and tools to increase public awareness and understanding of basic science and engineering principles. He develops and implements high-impact programs that address the needs of Caltech’s students and scholars while engaging K-12 students, teachers, parents and members of the general public in cutting-edge science and technology. Program success is measured using proven tools and instruments for assessment and evaluation of outcomes.

As Director of Education at the X PRIZE Foundation, he partnered with federal agencies, industry, youth organizations and foundations to develop and implement STEM education outreach for competitions in the fields of energy, environment, life sciences and exploration. He directed a $3.5 million grant from the US Department of Energy to create a standards-based online knowledge center, a national contest for youth, and interactive exhibits at science centers nationwide.

For DISCOVERY EDUCATION he conducted intensive professional development for K-12 faculty in school districts nationwide, modeling effective use of Discovery’s online curriculum services. At the AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE he directed the creation, operation and growth of the AFI Screen Education Center, delivering curriculum products and professional development services to educators nationwide. As Director of Education and Interactive Media at KCET, Aiken guided the use of emerging media to deliver programs and services to an increasingly technology savvy audience, developing the station’s award-winning website and programs for KCET’s Interactive Media Center.

He received his BA in Radio, Television and Motion Pictures and his MEd in Educational Media and Instructional Design from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.