Studies have shown that U.S. students are falling behind the rest of the world in science and math. One of the most significant reasons for this declining performance is that students lack exposure to scientific fields. The most affected individuals are from underserved communities who are typically not encouraged to explore the sciences and as a result are not prepared to pursue scientific careers.
To bridge this gap the University of Illinois Extension has developed a Science Volunteer Program aimed at providing scientific education to underrepresented populations in Cook County. The goal of this program is to provide supplemental, experiential learning for primary and secondary students, as well as adults and teachers.
Science Volunteers use their scientific background to provide enhanced, appropriate, personal, academic, and scientific education to help individuals achieve their future goals and to influence career choices in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.
We hope that you find this project worthwhile and seize this opportunity to become a force for positive change in your community by joining the Science Volunteers. By doing so you can make a meaningful contribution to the lives of others.
All volunteers working with youth are screened prior to undertaking assignments.
Contact Us
For more information, please contact:
John Van Horn
Extension Unit Educator, Science and Technology
Cook County Unit
1111 East 87th Street
Suite 600
Chicago, IL 60619
Phone: 773-933-6774 FAX: 773-933-6788 jvanhorn@uiuc.edu
Karen Meyer
Extension Unit Educator, Science and Technology
Cook County Unit
Enterprise Center
2205 Enterprise Drive, Suite 501
Westchester, IL 60154
Phone: 708-449-4320 FAX: 708-492-1805 meyerk@uiuc.edu
