Scientists for Tomorrow Program Recognized by U.S. Department of Education

The U.S. Department of Education has selected the Scientists for Tomorrow program to represent the state of Illinois at the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) Program’s 2012 Summer Institute conference. The theme of this year’s conference is “Gateway to the Future: Supporting the Next Generation of Learners in 21st CCLC Programs.”

Marcelo Caplan, Associate Professor in the Department of Science and Mathematics, will present at the conference about how Scientists for Tomorrow provides young people in Chicago between the ages of ten and fourteen with information and skills related to careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), while cultivating positive attitudes toward science and technology information.

Scientists for Tomorrow is administered by the Science Institute, which is housed in the Department of Science and Mathematics. The program uses small group mentoring to make science and technology accessible to youth through after-school programming and related special events. The National Science Foundation awarded a two-year, $249,936 grant to the Department of Science and Mathematics and the Science Institute last fall to fund the enhancement and expansion of Scientists for Tomorrow.

The CCLC's 2012 Summer Institute conference is July 31 through August 2, 2012, and takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana.