MISSION
Our Future Is Science is an initiative of Aspen Institute Science & Society Program that aims to position societally minded youth as leaders and innovators who will push science forward in the 21st century.
Many of society’s most pressing issues are scientific—the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, agricultural sustainability, and water security, among others. This reality gives us the chance to connect STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) and social justice to make breakthroughs that will impact the future of our communities and the world.
GOALS
Spark curiosity and passion about the connection between science and social justice among youth and young adults who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), are of low-income and/or reside in rural communities.
Accelerate students’ participation in the sciences to equip them to link their societal interests to tangible educational and career STEAM opportunities that may ultimately impact their communities.
PILLARS
Our Future is Science has four pillars:
Mentorship Program
This year-long virtual program connects high-schoolers around the United States with STEAM graduate students to explore science and social justice intersections. Key features include;
A continually evolving curriculum composed of a social-justice library, module-based activities, and professional development workshops. Topics include AI, health disparities, climate science, and big-data innovations.
Mentorship Team Meetings that facilitate scientific learning, community engagement, and career exploration.
Monthly Community Talks featuring those in science or science-adjacent careers.
Capstone Projects in which mentees create a science-based solution for a problem in their community.
Educational Media Campaigns
Youth share their visions, in the form of short videos submitted on TikTok or Instagram, for how science can be used to solve a particular community challenge.
Submissions are judged based on innovation, creativity, and feasibility, with cash prizes awarded to the top entrants.
Ambassador Program
Outstanding alumni mentors and mentees work together on a range of topics in which they connect science with social justice and develop new capstone projects.
Ambassadors give back to the rest of our network of mentors and mentees by attending feedback sessions for capstones, hosting workshops, and meet with professional scientists.
Champions for Science & Social Justice
Qualified applicants to the Mentorship Program whom we could not admit due to staffing and financial constraints receive special invitations to OFIS activities such as our Community Talks and a selection of professional development workshops.
