Science Club is a successful approach to STEM education that integrates high quality, hands-on instruction with a deep commitment to serving our community. Relationships are at the core of our approach- between kids and mentors, teachers and scientists, the university and community organizations.
We work together to develop and implement impactful programs for underserved populations. We always start by asking “How can we help?” and work hard to respond to community need. We believe in long-term programs which deliver measurable outcomes, demonstrated through rigorous evaluation.
Science Club began as an afterschool program, developed in partnership between Chicago Public Schools science teachers, Boys & Girls Club of Chicago staff, and scientists at Northwestern University.
The Science Club approach is the basis of two key initiatives: a mentor-driven afterschool program for middle school youth and a practicum-based teacher professional development program. Both are built on the same mentorship-based approach to science learning and teaching.
Science Club programs bridge in-school and out-of-school learning and foster the development of skills, such as experimentation, critical thinking, and problem solving. By giving our members a supportive environment to explore STEM, we are also building more confident learners and educators.
We believe in making a difference through hands-on, community-centered engagement.
Science Club began as an afterschool program. We wanted to connect local kids with real scientists and authentic hands-on science practices in a community setting. The program can serve over 130 youth each year across multiple sites, but it’s still based on the same idea: a real scientist sitting down with the same couple of kids every week to explore the world together.
Science Club Summer Camp grew from our partnerships in the community. Building on the mentorship model to develop skills in scientific inquiry and experimentation, we’re working with elementary school teachers to boost science confidence and skills through informal learning practicums and coaching from Master Teachers.
“It’s extremely gratifying to see kids and scientists working together each and every week. Not only are kids’ eyes opened to science and health career options, but they learn critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning skills important for future academic success.Dr Michael Kennedy
I’m in high school now and some teachers are really shocked by what I know about science,” he said. “They’re like, ‘You know that already and you’re just a freshman?’ It taught me a lot, more than what school could teach me.Steven B.
