GOT STEM?

Monthly Newsletter - March 2025

• News from the McKinney Center
• Events, Workshops & Webinars
• Opportunities for Students & Families
• Classroom & Out-of-School Time Resources
• Grants, Funding, Fellowships & Scholarships
• Career Opportunities
• Articles and Publications

• Math EdTech Co-Design Webinar - RightOn Education - In this free webinar you will learn about best practices in UX and instructional design; gain experience with co-creating features that use AI meaningfully; and bring this experience back into designing engaging and fulfilling activities both in the classroom and in bigger curriculum and learning design projects, including for digital products. March 6, 2025 from 4:00-5:00pm.
• College Success for Youth in Foster Care Webinar - Join us for an online information session with representatives from college support programs specifically for foster youth. Come learn about the incredible resources available and meet the ‘coaches’ directly. Did you also know foster youth can earn a degree tuition free?! Information about the Chafee grant, the PA Tuition Waiver (FosterEd), and other financial aid will also be shared by PHEAA. March 18, 2025 from 10:00-11:30am.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness & Teacher Loan Forgiveness Webinar - Navigating the various programs available to teachers struggling with their student debt can be overwhelming and confusing. Join nationally recognized student loan expert Betsy Mayotte from The Institute of Student Loan Advisors (TISLA) for this FREE webinar that will explain the rules of both the Public Service Loan Forgiveness and Teacher Loan Forgiveness programs and help you determine which program might be the best fit for your student loan situation. Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 11:00am-12:30pm.
• NSTA National Conference in Philadelphia - Join us in the City of Brotherly Love to connect with like-minded professionals for an unforgettable experience! With content crafted by educators for educators, you’ll leave with an arsenal of engaging, practical strategies for your classroom, school or district that you can implement right away. Whether you're just looking for casual networking, peer-driven roundtable discussions, or new professional opportunities, we have it all! March 26-29, 2025
• Learn Fresh: Using Sports & Entertainment to Teach STEM Webinar - Join us for a "Sneak Peek' at the enrichment programs available free of charge to schools and organizations courtesy of Learn Fresh. Learn Fresh is a non-profit organization that partners with professional sports leagues and others to engage students in STEM and socio-emotional education. The games and programs utilize experiential learning and incorporate both classroom and community-centric components. Programs include NBA Math Hoops, MLB Players STEM League, MLS STEM Goals, and Eco Tour. March 27, 2025 at 1:00pm.
• 7th Summer Research Experience for Teachers - The Center for Engineering MechanoBiology (CEMB) - CEMB supports a summer professional development initiative for middle and high school science teachers that encompasses the interdisciplinary and broad themes of mechanobiology. Participants must commit to the 6-week (June 23 – August 4, 2025) summer program and agree to develop and integrate a curriculum module into their teaching practice during the academic year. The application deadline is April 1, 2025. 
• 2025 CSTA UnConference - Join us for an interactive event featuring guided discussions with CSTA Chapter Leaders and PaTTAN consultants. All K-12 educators are welcome to attend. Participants will break out into smaller groups to tackle key topics in CS education such as: recruiting underrepresented students to CS, teaching CS with evidence-based practices, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence in computing. There is no cost to participate and Act 48 hours will be provided. April 5, 2025.

Looking for more to do STEM related? 

Search for a variety of STEM opportunities including family days, workshops, webinars, and more at PSEC's Event Calendar Page. 

New Opportunities:

• A is for Advanced Manufacturing - Jr. STEM Academy STEAM Saturday Series - This exciting, hands-on program is designed for students in grades 6-12. In this FREE out-of-school time program, students will explore cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, including: Laser Cutting, CNC Machining, and 3D Printing. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to develop valuable skills and bring their creative ideas to life! Saturdays from March 15 through April 26, 2025 at Community College of Philadelphia's Career and Advanced Technology Center.
• ASHG Annual DNA Day Essay Contest - American society of Human Genetics - This contest asks students in grades 9-12 to examine, question, and reflect on important concepts in genetics in a 750-word essay. There is no cost to participate, and students can win up to $1,000 along with a matching equipment grant for their teacher. The question for 2025 is now live and submissions deadline is March 5, 2025.
• Ready, Set, Register! - TGR Learning Lab -Receive registration support for your student for upcoming Spring and Summer programming including FREE after-school STEAM courses. Students in grades 6-12th have access to all programs and events offered throughout the year including weekends and during the summer. We invite students in 1st-4th grade to experience the Learning Lab during our bi-monthly community fests and early education summer programs. March 8, 2025 from 9:00am-12:00pm at 7400 Lansdowne Avenue, Philadelphia
• 2025 Flight Crew - STEM Next Opportunity Fund - As a Flight Crew member, youth 13-18 years old will receive specialized training in public speaking and content creation, equipping you to effectively share your STEM experiences. They’ll also have the opportunity to connect with mentors, participate in exclusive events, and collaborate with fellow youth advocates to drive positive change in your community. This 9-month program runs from April to December 2025. Application deadline is March 12, 2025.
• Inspire to Teach: Career Resources Fair - PEEDC - This is a free, in-person, career exploration event designed to introduce high school students—especially Black and Brown students—to the pathways, resources, and programs that can help them become educators. This is a chance for students to meet teacher preparation programs, learn about scholarships, and hear inspiring stories from educators who are making a difference. March 12, 2025 from 5:00pm-8:00pm at The Hive at Spring Point, Phildelphia.
• Penn Research Experience for High School Students - Current 10th and 11th graders from Philadelphia School District, charter schools, and other schools by invitation will have the opportunity to join a research lab and take part in current scientific research. The program is free, even transportation is covered, and students receive a $1500 financial award. Deadline to apply is March 16, 2025. 
• Perry Outreach Program - This program is a free, one-day, hands-on experience to encourage young women to pursue careers in medicine and engineering. Students will hear from women leaders in these fields and try it for themselves by performing mock orthopaedic surgeries and biomechanics experiments. Participants should be in high school, grades 10 and up, with a passion for science, medicine and/or engineering. Although The Perry Initiative is focused on advancing women in engineering and medicine, all genders may apply to the program so long as they are committed to our mission. The program is on April 12, 2025 from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Application deadline is March 18th, 2025
• Student Workforce Development & Internship Opportunities Fair - The Office of Postsecondary Readiness is hosting the fair, where there will be representatives from companies and organizations present that will offer full, part-time and summer job opportunities, both traditional and non-traditional training programs, certificate programs, work based learning activities, and industry specific job training programs. The goal of the fair is to provide exposure opportunities to our high school students that will assist them to meet their pathway to graduation needs. March 19, 2025 from 3:30-7:00pm at Martin Luther King High School. Registration for the fair is mandatory.
• High School Program in Biomedical Research - Wistar - In this four-week summer internship program students work in our state-of-the-art training lab. Students earn a stipend of $1,500 upon completion of the program; we also provide SEPTA passes to cover transportation. The program prioritizes students in the School District of Philadelphia. We are particularly interested in recruiting students with limited access to opportunities to engage in authentic science experiences. Application deadline is March 31, 2025.
• 2025 I AM PHL Contest - PhllyGoes2College - Philadelphia high school students, show off your one-of-a-kind talent to win one-of-a-kind prizes! Presented by PhillyGoes2College in partnership with Wawa Welcome America and Vanguard. Like PhillyGoes2College and The Wawa Welcome America Festival, this contest is a celebration of Philadelphia and a celebration of YOU. Your talent, your passions, your future. Enter by submitting original work in music, visual art, or spoken word/public speaking performance. To learn more about the contest, we encourage you to attend the I AM PHL Student Summit on March 29th, 2025 from 11:00am-3:00pm at the Thomas Jefferson University East Falls Campus. Submission deadline is April 15, 2025.
• Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Challenge - This a statewide (PA) competition challenges teams of students in 9th through 12th grade to use their problem-solving, creative, and strategic-thinking abilities to solve real-world lifesaving challenges. Students are asked to create a video explaining why being an organ donor is crucial and why you will designate yourself. The statewide winning team will be awarded $3,000. Submission deadline is April 18, 2025.
• VirtuaQuest - Drexel University Digital Development Camp - this specialized three-week, in-person summer program led by College of Computing & Informatics (CCI) provides participants with the chance to engage deeply with technology and digital development topics, guided by expert faculty and student leaders. Participants gain hands-on experience in areas such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, programming, and game development while building technical skills and exploring future paths in computing. The camp is open to rising high school sophomores, juniors, seniors and accepted CCI first-year students.  Program is from July 7-24. 2025.
• Jr. STEM Academy’s STEAM Summer Camp at Community College of Philadelphia - This exciting camp is designed for 5th through 8th grade students, and offers an unforgettable experience as they dive into the worlds of performing arts, science, technology, engineering, and math. Camp is from June 30 – July 31, 2025 from 8:30am – 3:30pm. Deadline to apply will be mid-June or when capacity is reached.
• Eureka! - Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey. Join Eureka! to participate in an engaging summer camp filled with hands-on STEM activities! Girls will also delve into the professional world by going on career exploration field trips, interact with professionals in various STEM fields, engage in sports, and learn how to live healthy lifestyles that nourish the body and mind. This 5-year STEM-based program is designed to engage and empower 8th-12th grade girls by encouraging sisterhood, healthy risk-taking, and STEM exploration through year-round college readiness, paid internships, and mentoring opportunities. 
• High School Internships - AEOP - Spend your summer in a university research lab or one of the U.S. Army Research Laboratories and Centers through this unique internship opportunity. Experience firsthand the innovation and research driving the future of our country! And prepare for competitive college admissions and the next step in your STEM journey. Applications are on a rolling basis.

Previously Posted:

• PSBR'S SPARC Student Contests 2025 - The PA Society for Biomedical Research (PSBR) is pleased to announce its 2024-2025 student contests. We offer Essay Contests, a Poster Contest, and a Digital Media Contest for students of all ages. Students have the opportunity to win cash prizes and learn about biomedical research and their life. All contests are free to enter. Submission deadline is March 9, 2025.
• Tech & Innovation Internship - Coded by: - Are you a junior or senior in high school or college student interested in design, tech, or entrepreneurship? The Tech and Innovation Internship is a PAID opportunity that helps you learn how to bring an idea to life and create a real business! Applications are NOW OPEN until April 30, 2025, or until capacity is reached.



Looking for other

Out-of-School Time STEM programs? 

Visit our Philadelphia STEM Education Directory for programs geared to students Pre-K through high school.

New Resources:

• The Regional Philadelphia Media and Design Student Competition - This is an in-person exposition of student work (grades 3-12) from across the city of Philadelphia open to students in Philadelphia schools. Participants will demonstrate their technology and design skills using digital tools, media and other technologies. Winning projects in grades 6 -12, our middle and high school divisions will represent Philadelphia as they compete against 1st place projects from IUs across the state at Dickinson College in May. Deadline to register your project is March 5, 2025
• Drone Pilot Curriculum - The CSinPA team partnered with Tech Kids Unlimited to create an accessible FAA curriculum designed to engage and inspire your students as they embark on their journey to becoming skilled drone pilots. Our curriculum offers a comprehensive range of lesson materials designed to enhance student learning and enrich the educational experience.
• The Great Inka Road: How Can a Road System Be an Example of Innovation? Digital Lesson - The Inka Empire thrived in South America in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. To support the empire, the Inka built a vast road system for transportation, communication, and integration. This lesson highlights Inka engineering accomplishments that allowed the Inka to manage their vast and disperse empire, and how their legacy has relevancy in the present day. Explore a variety of sources to learn about the engineering of the Great Inka Road system and the Q'eswachaka suspension grass bridge. Este recurso también está disponible en español.

Previously Posted:

• Mighty Writers On the Road Program - Mighty Writers brings free programming to schools and organizations to reach students who can't come to our centers. From "Mighty Entrepreneurs" and "Mighty Illustrators" to "College & Career Readiness," we have a variety of options for you to choose from. Or we can custom-design a program to suit your needs. 
• Solar curriculum "Harness the Power of the Sun" - Philadelphia Solar Energy Association - This middle school, 12 week curriculum dives into energy, electricity, circuits, solar photovoltaics, electric vehicles and more. The curriculum is free and is aligned with the PA STEELS standards.
• National Partnership for Student Success: New Training Resource Library - This training resource library is a resource for any organization implementing tutoring, mentoring, student success coaching, postsecondary transition coaching, and/or wraparound supports and beyond. The library contains both paid and free trainings and is updated on an ongoing basis.

Need ideas for a STEM Fields trips? 

Explore our Philadelphia STEM Field Trip Guide

Need ideas for STEM Outreach programs?

 Explore our Philadelphia STEM Outreach Guide

New Listings:

• Garden Grant - Whole Kids - Our Garden Grant program provides a $3,500 monetary grant to support a new or existing edible educational garden located at a K–12 School in the U.S. or Canada. K-12 Schools in U.S and Canada are eligible for this $3,500 grant. Application deadline is March 5, 2025.
• Seed Your Future Teacher Professional Development - Seed Your Future is seeking 30 high school educators in STEM-related subject areas (math, reading, arts, technology) for an expenses-paid immersive professional development experience, a value over $1,900.00! The experience will be June 11th to 14th in Chicago. Horticulture, floriculture and other segments of the green industries offer fascinating, engaging, and relevant contexts for teaching and learning. Application deadline is March 7, 2025.
• Mid-Atlantic Environmental Justice Fund - Chesapeake Bay Trust - This is a grant program that leverages forestry to address environmental justice (EJ) issues in the Mid-Atlantic. Our goal is to disperse and democratize the range of co-benefits that healthy community forests have for decades into the future. Application deadline is March 14, 2025.
• 2025 STEM Futures scholarship - National Society of Black Engineers Greater Philadelphia Professionals - is pleased to announce a scholarship for underrepresented high school students who are passionate about science and engineering and planning to pursue a career in one of the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). We will be awarding three $1000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors, who will enroll in a STEM major at a four-year college or university in Fall 2025. Application deadline is March 28, 2025.
• Pennsylvania Engineering byDesign™ Summer Professional Learning Workshops -be part of an exciting and immersive four-day teacher training, in which you’ll dive into the Engineering byDesign™ (EbD™) curriculum for elementary, middle, and high schools. These hands-on trainings will provide you with practical experience through engaging activities and collaborative projects, ensuring you are well-prepared to bring these innovative courses to your students.  Workshops are completely free to ALL Pennsylvania elementary, middle, and high school educators. In addition, all PA educators will receive a stipend to cover travel, food, and lodging upon completion of the training. Seats are limited. Program runs from June 9-12, 2025 in Lancaster, PA.
• Franklin C. Ash Summer Internship Program - a seven-week summer internship opportunity for undergraduate college students who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of nonprofit work. Selected students work with local nonprofits to gain hands-on experience. They also participate meet has a cohort each week of the program for professional development and service projects. Upon successfully completing the program, students receive $2,000. Program runs June 16 through August 1, 2025.

Previous Listings:

• US-UK Fulbright Global Challenges Teaching Awards - AAC&U - Faculty teaching undergraduate students at accredited higher education institutions in the United States or the United Kingdom are invited to apply for the 2025–26 cycle. The program fosters international collaboration and innovation in higher education, providing transformative cross-cultural learning experiences for students in the United States and the United Kingdom. Information session on January 7, 2025, 12-1pm. Application Deadline: March 10, 2025.
• 2025 Laboratory for Research on the Structure of Matter (LRSM) Summer Research Experience for Teachers - Teachers will undertake a research program for six weeks from June 16 through July 25, 2025 in person at UPENN. Each teacher will be assigned to a senior investigator within the PENN MRSEC and paired with a mentor helping that research group translate their work into understandable concepts for younger audiences through a demo and/or hands-on activity. A stipend of $6,000 will be provided. Deadline to apply is April 1, 2025.

New Postings:

• STEM teacher for Camp Adonai - Part Time - Enon Coulter Community Development Corporation - The ECCDC is looking for teachers who would like part-time summer employment for 10 hrs. per week from June 26th through August 8th. Candidate will be teaching 5-13 year olds project based acAviAes using Lego Spike Prime Robo,cs (10-13 year olds), Lego Spike Essen,als Robo,cs (5-9 year olds), Scratch (with AI extensions), and Scratch Jr.
• Teen Internship Program Director - Philly Goat Project - The ideal candidate will have experience working with and leading BIPOC youth, whether as a teacher, social worker, or in a related field, with a minimum of three years of experience in youth programming, leadership, or community outreach. This full-time, 40-hour-per-week position involves working outdoors with teens, schools, and families 50% of the time, regardless of weather, and includes community-based school and family visits. The other 50% of the role supports other PGP programs, goat care, and meetings.
• Program & Education Manager - West Park Cultural Center - This position will support teaching artists and instructors with curriculum development, assessing learning objectives, and evaluating outcomes. They will also participate in outreach to communities, manage student online portfolios, and help build parent engagement opportunities, both in-person and on our website.
• Penn Museum Summer Camp Counselor - This position is responsible for leading and assisting small and large groups of campers in a variety of activities. The activities include gallery tours, art-making projects, games, scavenger hunts, and performances during the summer camp season. Counselors help to foster a fun and positive learning environment by facilitating friendships and teamwork among campers while acting as a mentor.
• High School Program 9-12 Teen Program Manager - Project HOME - This position oversees the continued development, implementation, and evaluation of programs geared towards raising the academic, technology, college and trade school-readiness and employment skills of neighborhood youth grades 9 – 12. Manager oversees programs in STEAM and Digital Arts, Academic Enrichment, College Access, and Employment Preparation. They are also responsible for the implementation of technology-based classroom learning and assessment as well as for the recruitment, management, and training of Teen program full-time and part-time staff

Previous Postings:

• Director of Programs - Vetri Community Partnership (VCP) - We are seeking a curious and collaborative Program Director to provide strategic leadership for its school and community programs. The Program Director will drive the quality and impact of programs while managing a team of dedicated staff and strengthening relationships with stakeholders and partners. The ideal candidate will be an empowering and respected leader who has a passion for nutrition education through cooking in Philadelphia.
• High School Science and Math Teachers - Mastery Charter Schools - – We are seeking strong High School Science Teachers. Hear from our teachers HERE about why they teach at Mastery & join a team of dedicated educators working to fulfill our mission that All students learn the academic and personal skills they need to be truly prepared for success after graduation and able to pursue their dreams. Reach out to recruitment@masterycharter.org or apply HERE today! 
• Commerce Department Strategic Support Partners Roster - PIDC - We are seeking multiple qualified consultants to join our Strategic Support Partners roster of pre-vetted consultant with expertise in a variety of categories. This Request for Proposals (RFP) is open to for-profit companies, non-profits, and independent consultants. Deadline is March 31, 2025.
• After-School Program Site Director - Urban Affairs Coalition - The Site Director will be responsible for the implementation and general management of YOACAP’s OST program (after-school and summer camp) for students at Tilden Middle School. Responsibilities include program planning, coordinating daily activities, working directly with students, managing the Activities Leaders, and written evaluation of staff on a regular basis.

Newly Posted Articles & Publications:

• Navigating Internships Impacted by the Funding Freeze, Mobilize Green, 2025
• Community and District Support for Immigrant Families (one-pager)- School District of Philadelphia, January 2025
• Supporting Multilingual Learners: Guidance for SDP Partner Programs, The School District of Philadelphia, September 2024
• Lost in transition: Fixing the “learn-to-earn” skills gap, Pearson, January 2025
• Tending Tomorrow’s Soil: Investing in Learning Ecosystems, Gregg Behr, Federation of American Scientist, February 12, 2025
• Free Speech and Inclusion on Campus: A Guide for Discussion Organizes and Facilitators, IDHE and AAC&U, 2024
• Race and Sociocultural Inclusion in Science Communication: Innovation, Decolonisation, and Transformation, Elizabeth Rasekoala, Bristol University Press, January 2025

Previous Articles & Publications:

• NCAN Launches Resource Center for Supporting Justice-Impacted Students - Catherine Brown and Louis Woodhouse, National College Attainment Network, January 6, 2025  
• The Teaching of the Science of Climate Change - NSTA Position Statement - National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) 2024
• The 100 Year EdTech Project 2074 Guide - Adams Becker, S.; Gonick, L.; Davis, G.; Hall, A.; Janezic, J.; Kovaleski, K.; and Lambert, J. 2024.
• State of American Literacy Research Report, Dollar General Literacy Foundation