Project Exploration

Project Exploration creates transformative learning experiences, pathways, and a community for youth underrepresented in STEM, especially low-income students, students of color, and young women, allowing them to explore STEM careers and equip them with the necessary skills and practices, and mindset needed for lifelong learning. Project Exploration is opening the door to science for minority youth and girls through out of school time programs, spring break and summer programs. Our program model is designed to GET students interested in science, KEEP them interested, and EQUIP them with what they need to pursue science. We accomplish this through: • Interaction and collaboration with scientists. • Long-term relationships with students. • Hands-on experiences and fieldwork • Year-round youth development activities. • Reading, writing, and public speaking. • Advanced science and leadership opportunities. For nearly fourteen years, Project Exploration has been expanding access to science and helping close the achievement gap that exists for disadvantaged students. Our students are significantly more likely to graduate from high school, go to college and major in science than their peers, and they attribute their persistence to participating in Project Exploration’s programs: • 96% of field students graduate high school (compared with 47% of all Chicago Public School students). • 61% enroll in a four-year college. • 34% of all students and 43% of girls who graduate high school as Project Exploration field alumni choose to major in science.