From Curiosity to Career: Building Real-World Problem Solvers Through Hands-On STEM

This summer, LET'S GO students became STEM professionals. Whether analyzing DNA evidence as forensic scientists, designing community solutions as engineers, or conducting biological research as lab scientists, over 1,500 students experienced authentic career pathways firsthand. 

The Common Thread: Authentic STEM Career Preparation 

Our summer programming transformed students into active practitioners—immersing them in the actual work that STEM professionals do every day:

• Future Biologists and Geneticists conducted real research with live zebrafish, experiencing the full scientific method from hypothesis to observation 

• Aspiring Forensic Scientists solved crimes using the same techniques as CSI professionals—chemical analysis and DNA gel electrophoresis 

• Tomorrow's Mechanical and Product Design Engineers solved real problems—from designing animal shelters and upcycling materials to create toys to mastering Onshape 3D CAD software, the same professional-grade platform used throughout industry to design car parts, medical devices and consumer products 

• Young Environmental Scientists became solution designers addressing real water pollution challenges 

• Next-Generation Robotics Engineers programmed robots and developed research solutions for archaeological field problems

Through partnerships with 14 community sites across Baltimore City, Anne Arundel County, and Washington DC, we empowered students from Kindergarten to High School this summer—sparking curiosity in our youngest learners and career readiness in our oldest… Behind the scenes?  We trained 50+ instructors and site administrators, equipped 80 classes with cutting-edge materials, and engaged 20+ industry experts as guest speakers. We also provided work experience for 4 amazing interns from UMBC, Morgan State University and the Sondheim Nonprofit Leadership Program, and paid internship opportunities for 40 high-school students who collectively earned over $75,000 through our Teen Science Café+STEM Tracks Summer Program in partnership with Baltimore City's YouthWorks and DC's Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program.