STEM Youth
Programs
SLC’s expertise is in designing and teaching after school and summer STEM programs in underrepresented communities and training K-12 teachers in STEM teaching methods. Our programs are based on current classroom experience with expert integration of NYSSLS science standards emphasizing Project-Based Learning and engineering design.
The SLC is an organization of accomplished, full-time science teachers who excel at classroom science and managing kids. We possess unique talents for simplifying and integrating complex STEM processes into science instruction. We adapt classroom science lessons for our after school and summer programs to promote interest and build confidence in young people towards careers in the STEM workforce.
Our Impact
Focused on Underrepresented Communities
We began in 2013 with a single mission to focus our talents on inspiring STEM interest in our cities. We soon evolved into culture akin to a practitioners’ think tank, where an excellent educator mindset emerged organically among teachers committed to professional growth and community service.
Nationally Recognized
Our informal STEM programs earned national recognition from the Obama Administration and US Dept. of Education (2015) for community service. Our ability to connect with kids and deliver exciting STEM learning experiences is the perfect match for underserved & at-risk kids in need of a place to go after school and during the summer.
Building with straws encourages kids to think big and get creative with their structures. The engineering aspect is engaging because they can quickly see how tall and complex their designs can become. Plus, there’s plenty of variety in what they can create, depending on the instructor’s guidance on construction techniques.
Our Instant Snow activity turns chemistry into pure wonder. Students measure, mix, and observe as a simple white powder suddenly transforms into a fluffy, snow-like substance—expanding more than tenfold! It’s a memorable way to teach scientific measurement, chemical reactions, and the thrill of discovery.
Our Make Your Own Slime activity is always a crowd favorite. Students mix polyvinyl alcohol with borax to trigger a fascinating chemical reaction that transforms simple liquids into stretchy, gooey slime. Along the way, they practice real lab techniques—using beakers, measuring precisely, and observing cause and effect—while discovering how fun hands-on chemistry can be.
With our youngest students, we focus on building dexterity, creativity, and early engineering skills through hands-on play. Using colorful domino-style blocks, instructors guide students through fun building challenges that encourage problem-solving, pattern recognition, and teamwork. Along the way, they practice counting, sequencing, and basic math concepts—laying a strong foundation for future STEM learning.
Our Volume Rainbow experiment brings color and chemistry together in a vivid display of science. Using red, blue, and yellow food-colored water, students carefully measure and mix precise volumes to create the full spectrum of a rainbow—ROYGBIV. Working with test tubes, graduated cylinders, beakers, and syringes, they practice accuracy and measurement while exploring color theory, volume, and the beauty of hands-on science.
