Future Science Leaders

Building STEM identity for middle school students.

The Sciencenter’s Future Science Leaders (FSL) program empowers 6th – 8th grade students to explore STEM, make new friends, and gain confidence in their interpersonal and leadership skills. Through hands-on activities, education, exhibit prototyping, and guest interactions, participants develop leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills, fostering curiosity and preparing them to become future leaders in the scientific community.

This program is free to all current Sciencenter members, enrollment required.

If the cost of a membership is financially prohibitive, please stop by the museum’s Front Desk during open hours or reach out to membership@sciencenter.org to inquire about our Membership Access Program!

Questions? Contact volunteer@sciencenter.org .

Future Science Leaders will:

Provide hands-on educational experiences for younger learners
Engage with the Sciencenter’s live animal collection (reptiles and invertebrates)
Build skills in science communication
Earn volunteer or community service/career exploration hours
Contribute to community science projects
Have opportunities to design, build, and test exhibit prototypes

Program times vary but will typically take place on select Saturdays from 1:30 – 4:00 pm. Registrants receive scheduling communications via email.

Future Science Leaders learn to handle teaching animals from the Sciencenter’s collection, and use their skills to facilitate animal encounters for museum guests.

Taking a closer look at a stonefly nymph in Cascadilla Creek.

Testing out an exhibit prototype!

FSL members contribute to community science efforts, like monitoring water quality in local streams and the lake.

Future Science Leaders is generously supported by