Back in the dark ages when I was in high school we had a chemistry teacher who really encouraged us to do science projects. At the time there were National Science Foundation summer science programs at universities and she encourged us to apply. I did 2 - one at Virgina Tech and one at Florida State. (Decades later my daughter did one at a local university).
My professors gave me some starting suggestions and turned me loose. Grad students helped advise day-to-day work. It was great. These projects became my science fair presentations. My chemistry teacher advised on display and effective presentation. I always acknowledged the support I received,
I ended up working for my FSU advisor as an undergrad. These experiences were helpful in getting into grad school.
Thanks for your reply. High school students can and do benefit from those science programs and many others. Then, in your case, you majored in a science in college and went on to enjoy a career in a field of science. If someone asked for your credentials, you’d probably have a long history to point to.
AOC’s award may have been impressive for a high school student, but it’s not a serious credential for a 30-year-old woman. After claiming that Mike Pence doesn’t believe in science, she deserves the backlash.