June 21, 2018

Encouraging Young Minds to Pursue Futures in STEM with Chicago Zoological Society

Science WoRx® mentors volunteered at two science fairs to interact, provide feedback to students’ projects

Earlier this year, Astellas USA Foundation recruited 23 Astellas employees, referred to as Science WoRx® mentors, to spend a day encouraging and coaching young minds in STEM by volunteering as VIP Judges at the Chicago Zoological Society’s annual Science Fairs.

Held at the Brookfield Zoo on February 8 and 22, these science fairs welcomed a collective 362 students from Chicago Public Schools (fourth through 12th grade) and Western Suburban schools (fifth through eighth grade) to present their science or engineering projects to real STEM professionals. Judges were able to provide constructive suggestions to students’ methods, conclusions, hypotheses and more, helping them learn from real feedback.

“I absolutely loved this event,” said Yvonne Cooper, Science WoRx mentor and Astellas Reporting Analyst, Sales. “It was something more different than I’ve ever done for volunteering, and it was really incredible to see what the kids all had come up with.”

Projects fell into two categories (General Science or Engineering), and were judged based on knowledge gained, scientific thinking, quality and thoroughness. At the end of the day, 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners were announced per grade category, with several students often tying for winning placements. Five to six students at each science fair were also awarded BP Future Scientist awards.

Overall, the experience was inspiring for both mentors and students. Gary Thal, Science WoRx mentor and Astellas Vice President, Specialty, Medical Affairs, shared his favorite part about volunteering.

“The best part of the day for me was just getting to interact with the students, especially with students of various grade levels and seeing the differences between them,” said Thal. “They’re all so enthusiastic, creative and excited about what they’re doing, and excited to present their projects and get feedback. It was really fun for me to get to have those interactions with them.”

Dominique Talbert, Science WoRx mentor and Astellas Associate Director, Scientific Publications, shared why volunteering for a STEM-focused event was personally meaningful.

“Volunteering in STEM is meaningful for me because when I was this age, I had people who did the same for me, and that really peaked my interest in the sciences and let me know there are real people behind these jobs,” said Talbert. “So I think it’s important as a scientist myself to give back to kids so they can know the opportunities that exist out there in the STEM field.”

“Thanks to the Science WoRx mentors, our students were able to meet real STEM professionals firsthand,” said Marjorie Baker, School Programs Coordinator, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo. “We’re grateful for Astellas USA Foundation’s support and encouragement of STEM careers.”

Astellas USA Foundation’s Science WoRx® program aims to provide access to high-quality STEM education by supporting organizations that reach directly into the classroom and by funding STEM-related online and after-school enrichment programs. The programs funded by the Foundation expose students to STEM-related careers, provide them with first-hand learning experiences and inspire the next generation of scientists.

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