Our Future Is Science

Our Future if Science is an initiative of the Aspen Institute Science & Society Program and Coda Societies founded on the notion that many of society’s most pressing issues are scientific—the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, agricultural sustainability, and water security, among others. This reality gives us the chance to connect STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) and social justice to make breakthroughs that will impact the future of our communities and the world. However, science and STEAM more broadly, are often viewed as an endeavor solely accessible to small, elite segments of society. Our Future Is Science (OFIS) is a joint effort between the Aspen Institute Science & Society Program and Coda Societies that aims to position societally minded youth, particularly those of underrepresented identities, as leaders and innovators who will push science forward in the 21st century. The multi-pillar initiative is designed to- spark curiosity about, passion for, and confidence in STEAM for BIPOC high-school schoolers - awaken youth’s interest in STEAM disciplines by illuminating connections between science and social justice - grow a thriving new cohort of practitioners, researchers, and thought leaders in STEAM by shaping educational and career trajectories— positioning youth as the next generation of the scientific workforce. In addition to a Mentorship Program and Scholars Program, the initiative also features a Community Talk Series (open to the public) as well as newly launched campaign to ignite a movement where where young people across the country draw the connections between STEAM fields and social justice and share via social media how having a STEAM-social justice lens could solve problem in their community.