Project Exploration

Paving the Way for the Next Generation of STEM Trailblazers

 

Project Exploration (PE) has worked tirelessly for 23 years to change the face of STEM by dismantling the barriers that prevent underrepresented students from experiencing the wonder and discovery in STEM. STEM education is an imperative social justice issue, and our mission is to right this injustice.

 

As the pandemic turned our world upside down, PE was completing a two-year study, systematically assessing the perspectives of students, parents, educators, and other community stakeholders regarding the impediments and challenges that kids experience in engaging in STEM education. From those conversations, three community-defined barriers and subsequent priorities emerged, which have laid the foundation for an ambitious 10 year vision and PE’s next decade of impact.

 

We are endlessly grateful for the trust of parents and students who participate in PE’s free, high-quality STEM programs and for the generous support of partners and donors who make this work possible. We are paving the way so the next generation of STEM trailblazers may reach their full potential, but as we embark on our most ambitious vision yet, this support is more vital than ever.

 

We challenge you to learn more about our 10-year plan

and join PE’s family of visionaries today!

Mission

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, practices, and mindset needed for lifelong learning.

2020 Impacts

Number of Programs

STEMkits Distributed for Virtual Programs

Students Served

Virtual Summer of STEAM Camp Participants

Percent More Students Served Since 2019

STEM-related Field Trips and Program Events

Partners

2020 Highlights

Latest News

On the Equity Journey: A Recap of the Stem Push Network Conference

On the Equity Journey: A Recap of the Stem Push Network Conference The STEM PUSH Conference recently convened with 43 partner pre-college STEM programs to discuss strategies for creating equitable experiences in STEM education. This event, aptly titled “On the Equity...

Welcome New Director of Programs, Danielle “Dani” Moon

“The way Project Exploration combines youth development and science education is, bar none, the most exciting idea I’ve encountered in a long time,” Natasha says. “Now that I’ve lead some Sisters4Science sessions, it is so clear to me how important and powerful the relationships between the students and us adult role-models is. We’re really engaging them at their level, and that’s why these programs are so successful. I’m really looking forward to meeting more students and seeing this approach at work in different contexts.”

Project Exploration’s STEM Learning Center provides a warm place for cool STEM engagement during winter break!

In its continued commitment to providing high-quality STEM learning opportunities for youth from communities underrepresented in the sciences and stopping the “seasonal slide” that is typical of prolonged breaks from in-school learning, Project Exploration (PE) hosted...

Parent Testimonials

Parent Testimonials

Parent Testimonials

Upcoming Events

May 10, 2018

Project Exploration Meet and Greet

Interested in getting involved with PE and help lead student activities? Attend the Project Exploration Junior Board On-boarding meeting!

Eventbrite - Project Exploration Junior Board On-boarding Meeting

JUNE 4, 2018

Project Exploration Summer Kick-off at Lagunitas!

Join Project Exploration for a night of fun, laughs, door prize drawings, and enjoy a locally brewed beer while supporting STEM education!

 

Eventbrite - Project Exploration's Lagunitas Summer Kick-off!!!

Help our Youth Take Flight

We believe that STEM has the power to:

To steer youth from violence.
To break the cycle of poverty.
To make bright futures possible.

And you can help!

Invest in Chicago's Young PeopleGet Involved

Help our Youth Take Flight

We believe that STEM has the power to:

To steer youth from violence.
To break the cycle of poverty.
To make bright futures possible.

And you can help!

Invest in Chicago's Young PeopleGet Involved

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