Science in Society and Y.O.U. Partnership Brings Summer Science Learning to Evanston Youth

Can you improve an athlete’s performance using brain science? Can you engineer a better water filter? Is it possible to invent a healthier – and more delicious – pancake?

This summer, Evanston 3rd–5th graders explored these questions while learning hands-on science skills as part of the Youth & Opportunity United (Y.O.U) summer program.

Y.O.U. provides afterschool programs and other support services to youth and families in Evanston. Extending their successful school year partnership, Science in Society worked with Y.O.U. to provide science learning opportunities for youth in Y.O.U.’s 8-week, no-cost summer program for youth.

Participating kids had a choice of 10 different program tracks – including 4 hands-on science and engineering curricula developed by Science in Society staff: NeuroSports, Science of Food, Medical Mystery, and the Clean Water Challenge. 

“Studies show summer learning programs are critical to student success,” Science in Society Postdoctoral Fellow Julianne Hatfield said. “The Y.O.U. summer program is a great opportunity for Evanston youth and families, and we were happy to be a part of it.”

Junior Science Club – Science in Society’s afterschool program with Y.O.U. – starts back up this fall at Dawes and Oakton Elementary Schools in Evanston. This collaboration is part of the center’s larger commitment to bringing quality science education to underserved youth and under-resourced communities in our local area. (Over 65% of students at these schools qualify for free lunch.)

The Science in Society and Y.O.U. partnership began in spring 2015. Learn more about our partnership with Y.O.U. and read more about Y.O.U.’s summer program on their website.