To accomplish these goals, California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) and the Kern High School District (KHSD) are partnering in an effort to create an institute with a focus on structured and guided authentic research participation experiences for teachers to develop a group of master teachers in math and science content, pedagogy and leadership. Collaborative community partners in the effort include the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, science museums, industry, and non-profits which together serve on the Community Advisory Panel to provide support in the planning of the institute.

The planning process of the Start Partnership is being conducted by a Core Planning Team consisting of CSUB disciplinary faculty in the sciences and math, education faculty, higher education administrators, and KHSD teachers and key administrators. The planning team is working closely with its supporting partner organizations through a Community Advisory Panel. The core partners and their community partners share a deep commitment for improving science education in the region and to creating a successful science partnership that is sustainable in the long term.

This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5).