Introduction to Adler Planetarium’s STEAM Programs
The Adler Planetarium has received a significant boost in its mission to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers. Thanks to a $1 million gift from the S&C Electric Company Fund, the historic lakefront museum will expand its youth engagement efforts across Chicago, especially in STEAM education—science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.
Background and Partnership
The funding will help Adler deepen its long-running commitment to providing hands-on, immersive learning experiences for young people from across the city. And for S&C Electric Company, a Chicago-based innovator in electric grid solutions, the partnership is about more than just dollars. “The Adler and S&C share a very important goal: to make science accessible and inclusive for Chicago’s youth,” said Audris Wong, the Adler’s interim President and CEO. “This gift will help us directly engage young people in exploring the universe, where they’ll make discoveries and solve problems together.”
History of Partnership
S&C’s relationship with Adler dates back to 2009. What started with a single student and one school partner has grown into a robust network of youth programming that reaches thousands of teens each year. Over time, S&C has become one of the museum’s strongest allies in expanding access to careers in science and technology—especially for youth who might not otherwise see themselves in those spaces.
Supported Initiatives
The gift will support several cornerstone initiatives at the Adler:
Summer Internships
The Adler’s summer internships place Chicago teens in professional roles across the museum, learning professional communication and teamwork skills and gaining experience in space visualization and computer science. Interns work as paid employees in placements with managers across the departments.
Far Horizons Teens
Far Horizons Teens is a semester-long program through which Chicago high school students carry out cutting-edge research into light pollution and its effects.
Program Goals and Impact
According to Adler leaders, the broader goal is to ensure young people don’t just learn about science—they live it. Programs encourage teens to take on leadership roles, tackle real-world problems, and connect with peers from every corner of the city. With the help of partners like S&C, the Adler is turning curiosity into action and helping young Chicagoans chart their own path—to the stars and beyond.
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Conclusion
The $1 million gift from the S&C Electric Company Fund to the Adler Planetarium represents a significant investment in the future of STEAM education in Chicago. By supporting programs such as summer internships and Far Horizons Teens, the Adler can continue to provide hands-on learning experiences that inspire and empower young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.
FAQs
- Q: What is the purpose of the $1 million gift from the S&C Electric Company Fund to the Adler Planetarium?
A: The gift is intended to support the expansion of the Adler Planetarium’s youth engagement efforts in STEAM education across Chicago. - Q: What programs will the gift support?
A: The gift will support programs such as summer internships and Far Horizons Teens, which provide hands-on learning experiences for Chicago teens. - Q: What is the goal of the Adler Planetarium’s STEAM programs?
A: The goal is to ensure that young people don’t just learn about science—they live it, by taking on leadership roles, tackling real-world problems, and connecting with peers from across the city. - Q: How long has S&C Electric Company been partnered with the Adler Planetarium?
A: S&C’s relationship with Adler dates back to 2009, starting with a single student and one school partner and growing into a robust network of youth programming.
