Project Exploration #GivingTuesday 2022

Since Project Exploration's (PE) founding in 1999, we have worked to change the face of STEM by providing students underrepresented in the sciences - low-income students, students of color, and girls - with opportunities to access free, high-quality STEM education programs. STEM education is a crucial social justice issue, and our mission has been to right this injustice.

Two primary tactics have enabled PE to make an impact in the lives of over 25,000 Chicago Public School students since our founding: 

• Out-of-school time (OST) Youth-Science Pathway programs empower underrepresented youth and ensure they have the support of STEM mentors to help them experience and gain confidence in and pursue STEM opportunities.
• Community-building strategies in Chicago that directly address systemic barriers in the STEM learning continuum.

Exploring the Butterfly Life Cycle

In 2022, youth at Project Exploration reported statistically significant positive changes in three STEM outcomes: STEM activities, career knowledge, and identity.  Additionally, staff reported increases in their perceptions of youth’s STEM confidence. From the staff perspective, youth confidence in science, technology, engineering, math, and computer science improved by the end of programming. Finally, data revealed that STEM Enjoyment also showed a positive change, meaning youth had FUN!

Investments in high-quality STEM and OST education are more vital than ever. The pandemic widened the academic skills gap, particularly for low-income students and students of color. At the same time, STEM career opportunities continue to grow, and even those requiring only trade school or certificates boast higher earning potential than non-STEM careers.

It is CRITICAL that we address barriers that prevent low-income students, students of color, and girls from becoming aware of and developing the skills to pursue these opportunities. 

Even if students choose not to pursue these education and career opportunities, STEM allows them to explore and fail without repercussions. It ensures that they may see themselves as capable problem-finders and solvers. Combined with reflective mentorship, students can build resilience and confidence in their skills which help them overcome challenges, reach their full potential, and reinvest in their communities.

We cannot do this work without your support. Dramatic investments are needed to ensure that low-income students and students of color don’t fall further behind. 

Please help us reach our goal of raising $23,000 on Giving Tuesday to support this important work. With your help, we truly can Change the Face of STEM.

Learn more about Project Exploration, a year in review!