"I recommend Science Buddies as an exemplary partner in sparking interest in science education, with an emphasis on 'partner.' Science Buddies has a unique flexibility that allows us both to seamlessly connect the pieces of our various initiatives, and more than a decade of experience in making the latest cutting-edge science relevant and accessible to students."
-- Kris Fortman, Director, Global Engagement, Medtronic
Accomplished link
Science Buddies is one of the world's most popular science websites, having reached more than 16.9 million students, parents in teachers with award-winning ideas and other support for science projects. Young people who complete Science Buddies projects regularly report high enthusiasm for science and say they learned more than in a typical science class. Science Buddies is preparing to strengthen its hands-on science resources parents and afterschool educators can use with students outside the school day.
Science Buddies is seeking funding to create user-friendly, hands-on science activities to help parents and other adults engage 1,000,000 young people a year in STEM outside of the school day. In addition, Science Buddies is seeking funds to create the 21st-century's answer to the chemistry set: hands-on science and technology kits to give young people more opportunities to tinker and experiment in STEM.The initiative also offers hundreds of scientists and other STEM professionals volunteer opportunities to create and review ideas for science projects and offer students guidance in online forums.
The programs in this database clear a high bar. STEMworks reviewed each program against the Design Principles for Effective STEM Philanthropy.
Identify and target a compelling and well-defined need.
Use rigorous evaluation to continuously measure and inform progress towards the compelling need identified.
Ensure work is sustainable.
Demonstrate replicability and scalability.
Create high impact partnerships
Ensure organizational capacity to achieve goals.
Offer challenging and relevant STEM content for the target audience
Incorporate and encourage STEM practices.
Inspire interest and engagement in STEM.
Identify and address the needs of under-represented groups.