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STEAM – Chicago, IL

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About
Our Partners
Curriculum
School Requirements
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About STEAM

Since 2015, the STEAM in Scouting program in Chicago has connected middle school students with hands-on opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math—all through the lens of workforce development. As part of the Exploring program, participants are registered as Explorers and engage in real-world learning experiences designed to spark curiosity and build future-ready skills. What started in Logan Square has now grown to serve over 300 youth across the city—and we’re still growing!

Questions? Contact:

Curriculum Partners

Resources

BeAScout
2025-26 STEAM Subjects
STEAM Booklet
Contact Us

Email: Kristen.Vogt@scouting.org

Our Curriculum

  • Circuitry (S, T, E, A)

  • Optical Illusions (S, A, M)

  • Graphic Design (T, A, M)

  • Forensics (S, M)

  • Bridges (S, E, M)

  • Cybersecurity (S, T, E)

  • Maze Making and Puzzles (A, M)

  • Mobile App Design (S, T, E, A)

  • Robotics (T, E)

  • Fabric Science (S, A, M)

  • Chemistry (S, M)

  • AI (T, E, M)

  • Drones (S, T, E)

  • Weather Science (S, T, M)

  • Animation (T, E, A)

  • Paper Science (S, E, A, M)

  • Paint Science (S, E, A, M)

  • Flight Science (S, E)

  • VEX/Snap Circuits (S, T, E, M)

  • Coding with BitsBox (T, E, A, M)

  • Cryptography (S, M)

  • Simple Machinery (S, T, E, M)

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What was your favorite project or activity in STEAM this year, and why?

My favorite activity was figuring out if some pictures were AI or real. The reason why is because I like figuring out things and finding strategies that I recognize and that repeats in order to figure it out. I like testing my brain.
Making an air balloon because it was a very artsy and engineering project and it was fun to see how it worked
3d printer pen we could make whatever we wanted to create, it was fun
When we made a building, it was my favorite because we learned that we need support to make a building work.
Building the bases was my favorite because we got to expriment what holds buildings better.
Using the 3d printer guns because it allowed me to use my imagination to create art.
the AI detection because i had fun and it also taught people how to catch AI
My favorite project we did in STEAM was working with AI/computers so I know when to be aware of bad things.

What is one thing you learned that surprised you?

Deepfake website. How some of the pictures looked real but they were actually fake.
I'm good at writing poems and I'm going to express my feelings through writing
I learned that some things look really real when it's AI.
To learn how people code to make games or websites
How to use binary code and morse code
That all the 0's and 1's in Binary Codes actually mean something.

School Requirements

We currently partner with schools across the Chicagoland area, serving approximately 300 students. Our programs reach youth in neighborhoods including South Chicago, Englewood, Jeffery Manor, Roseland, and Maywood, IL, bringing engaging, hands-on STEAM experiences directly to the classroom.

Interested in becoming part of our STEAM program?
Scroll down to review school partnership requirements and complete the inquiry form to get started.

Schools MUST:

  • Serve students grade 6-8
  • Demonstrate interest in offering a variety of STEAM-focused subjects
  • Be open to hosting the STEAM program during regular school hours
  • Qualify as a Title I or at-need school
  • Complete required background checks and charter your school with the program

Want to Get Your School Involved?

School Inquiry Form
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STEAM Survey

During the 2024–2025 academic year, 121 students participating in our STEAM program completed a survey reflecting on their experience. The results highlight the program’s positive impact on their interest in STEAM subjects and their readiness for future academic and career opportunities.

Explore the findings to see how the program is shaping student growth and engagement.