Mission, Goals and Objectives

Mission
Youth Exploring Science (YES) is structured to further the mission of the St. Louis Science Center “to stimulate interest in and understanding of science and technology throughout the community.”  YES strives to increase participants’ interest in science, math, engineering and technology and to build work-based skills through innovative programming that includes a rich variety of opportunities and experiences. 

YES programming is designed to create multiple opportunities for its participants to feel successful in both academic and work place competencies.  As participants continue to experience success, they build capacity to grow even more self-confident in their own abilities, reasoning, and talents.   

 
YES program goals:

• Promote the idea that science is interesting, relevant, and worthy of pursuit.
• Teach and reinforce the learning skills required for personal success in an academic environment and technical workplace through informal science education.

Objectives:

• Participants demonstrate confidence in the scientific disciplines by engaging in inquiry-based science Learning Labs and work-based skill building workshops and then facilitate hands-on activities, workshops, and demonstrations to public audiences. 
• Participants feel self-confident and empowered to pursue academic and career goals through structured work and mentor-based programming and college preparation.