In the peculiar state of Illinois, where skyscrapers dwell side by side with cornfields and where pizzas are as deep as a dinosaur's footprints, a secret league of super smart kids is on a mission. These young geniuses, known as the IL STEM/STEAM Squad, are certainly not your ordinary school-goers. They are the heart, brain, and spirit of the most exciting adventures in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. Meet Sparky, the leader of the squad, a funny kid with hair that always stands on end, as if he had been holding a Van de Graaff generator all day long. He's a whiz at science experiments and can convert any simple kitchen item into a spectacular scientific apparatus. Robotina, our technology champion, can chat with computers in their language and makes robots dance to her tunes. When she's not busy programming, she's creating digital artwork that even Picasso would envy. Then there's Architect Albert, the engineering guru, who constructs impressive LEGO skyscrapers, as tall as his backyard squirrels can climb. He dreams in blueprints and 3D models. Doodlebug is our art virtuoso, who paints sunsets with a mathematical precision that would make Fibonacci proud. With crayons and calculators, she creates a magical fusion of art and math. The IL STEM/STEAM Squad is a force to be reckoned with. They might be young, they might be goofy, but when it comes to STEM/STEAM, they are the maestros. So next time you see a weird-looking contraption in your neighborhood or an odd-looking equation on the sidewalk, you know the IL STEM/STEAM Squad has been there, adding a dash of fun to learning and exploring.
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For over 50 years, Frontier Camp has been dedicated to making disciples of Jesus by sharing God’s Word amidst the beauty of His creation. Since our founding in 1969, we’ve been licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services and are proudly accredited by the American Camping Association. We’re also a member of the Christian Camping and Conference Association. Our mission is to use Christian camping and outdoor recreation as a means to support local churches in fulfilling the Great Commission—evangelizing people of all ages and discipling believers toward deeper maturity in Christ. Frontier Camp offers a dual ministry: during the summer, we host a 10-week youth camp, and throughout the rest of the year, we serve as a retreat facility for churches and like-minded religious organizations. Whether through summer camps or retreats, our goal remains the same: to expose people to Christ and encourage their spiritual growth through His Word and by reflecting His character in everything we do. While we provide top-notch recreation and exciting programming, the heart of our camp is the spiritual impact, rooted in the truth of God’s inerrant Word.
As they progress through the elementary, middle, and high school programs, Lycée students explore a range of subjects in their native language and in French, while developing their global understanding. At Lycée Français de Chicago, we’re dedicated to helping our students become the people they want to be. Our world-class educators foster each student’s personal and academic growth, so that they can find their future paths with confidence. Whether they choose to pursue higher education, a career, or something else, our students have the cultural understanding, language proficiency, and critical thinking skills they need to succeed. At Lycée Français de Chicago, we believe that school is more than just an education, it’s a journey. We strive to make sure that journey is a positive one for every student, as they learn who they are and who they want to be. Our world-class educators create an environment where students can explore their native language and French, while developing their global understanding and critical thinking skills. We empower our students to pursue their dreams and find their paths with confidence, so that they can become the people they want to be.
Our teachers foster a playful and creative atmosphere that encourages children to think critically, solve problems, and explore their world. Kids Science Labs offers the world’s best hands-on science programs to build your child’s creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Our unique and engaging science parties, camps, STEM activities, school field trips, and fun science classes for kids provide a wonderful learning experience in beautiful learning environments. Kids Science Labs offers fun, hands-on science and innovation all year long.
At our school, we understand the importance of fostering a child’s natural curiosity. We believe our responsive curriculum allows children to explore concepts and ideas in ways that are meaningful to them. Our educators observe the interest and enthusiasm of the children and use that to design long-term projects and questions. We carefully balance the individual and collective learning and growth of our students when presenting materials and ideas. Our program is play-based and structured to provide both time and space for exploration. Our classrooms are filled with three, four, and five-year-olds engaged in activities such as exploring shapes and patterns, building with blocks, and drawing. Through this approach, we strive to provide an environment that encourages each child’s natural curiosity.
GreenApple Campus is meeting this challenge and providing students and educators with the resources they need to succeed. GreenApple Campus is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing STEM + Innovation + Entrepreneurship programs that empower students and educators to thrive in a globally connected world. Their comprehensive programs are designed to help students and educators alike stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly changing digital age. With their focus on virtual and blended learning models, GreenApple Campus is helping to address the digital equity issues brought about by the shift to remote learning. By providing students and educators with the skills and resources needed to succeed, GreenApple Campus is helping to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
At the South Side YMCA, we strive to create a safe and supportive space for everyone who enters. Your contributions help us to maintain the resources needed to support the children, families, and communities we are fortunate to serve. The South Side YMCA is a place of positivity and acceptance for all. Your donation allows us to continue to provide the resources necessary to care for the children, families, and communities in our neighborhood.
Albany Park's story of transformation is truly remarkable. What was once an upper-working class Jewish neighborhood in the early 1960's is now one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the US. The population has changed significantly, with many poverty-level and low-income working class residents coming from a variety of backgrounds. The foreign-born residents come predominantly from Latin America, but also from the Philippines, India, Korea, Cambodia, Somalia, the Former Yugoslavia, Romania, Pakistan and the Middle East. With over 40 different languages being spoken in its public schools, Albany Park is a vibrant and diverse community. The transformation of Albany Park over the last 40 years has been remarkable. From an upper-working class Jewish neighborhood to one of the most diverse in the US, its population has changed significantly. Residents come from a variety of backgrounds, mainly Latin American but also from the Philippines, India, Korea, Cambodia, Somalia, the Former Yugoslavia, Romania, Pakistan and the Middle East. This is a testament to the cultural richness of the community with over 40 different languages being spoken in its public schools.
For over a decade, we’ve been working with Pre K to 8th grade girls to help them create a lifelong commitment to physical fitness. Through camps, events, and programs, we’ve been able to help girls gain confidence in sports and life. We’ve used feedback from the girls and studied communication and teaching methods to craft fun and customized programs. Our programs use incentives to get girls excited about staying active and building their skills. We take great pride in the impact we’ve had and the values and life skills we’ve helped instill in the girls. By encouraging an active lifestyle, we’ve been able to help girls build self-confidence and teach them the importance of having a healthy lifestyle. We’ve devoted our time and energy to helping girls develop and grow as athletes and individuals. Our mission is to empower girls through sports and fitness, and we’re thrilled to have seen the success of our efforts.