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OUR MISSION

Many of society’s most urgent challenges are deeply rooted in science and present a unique opportunity for rising generations to take action.

The mission of Our Future Is Science (OFIS) is to integrate near-peer mentorship with informal STEM education by engaging youth in science to make locally driven impacts on their communities.

OFIS inspires future STEM leaders to become thoughtful, solutions-oriented innovators and advocates as they enter the 21st-century STEM workforce.

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GOALS

  • Spark curiosity and passion for applying scientific principles to improve local communities.

  • Accelerate students’ engagement in STEM education and careers by connecting them with scientist-mentors.

  • Equip students with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to become leaders in their communities and beyond.

PILLARS

Our Future is Science has four pillars:

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Ambassador Program

  • The Ambassador Program is designed for exceptional OFIS alumni to further develop their skills in research and science communication.

  • Ambassadors also engage with Mentees and Mentors by hosting workshops and providing feedback on multimedia Science Engagement Projects.

Champions for Science & Communities Program

  • The Champions Program offers students professional development activities and invitations to special events.

Mentorship Program

  • This 8-month virtual program connects high-schooler Mentees in the United States with STEM-graduate-student Mentors to explore how science can be used to improve local community issues. Key features include:

    • Evolving curriculum with engaging resources and activities on the environment, AI, health and well-being, data, and more.

    • Weekly Mentorship Team Meetings for learning, engagement, and career exploration.

    • Monthly Community Talks with science professionals.

    • Science Engagement Projects in which Mentees create evidence-based solutions for a problem in their communities.

Educational Media Campaign

  • In short videos submitted on social media, youth share their visions for how science can be used to solve challenges in their community, with cash prizes for top entries. 

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