As science mentors, we follow Carl Sagan’s pronouncement that “Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge” 

Instead of bringing a fully framed program to our teens, we’ve chosen to ask this question when the student shows interest. It comes from poet Mary Oliver: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life” – It is illuminating that usually reluctant boys respond with specificity. “I want to be a pilot” – “I want to be an aerospace engineer” Our response- “Let’s create a path so that this goal becomes a reality”– We found a mentor with a Flight Simulator and willingness to teach – This engendered motivation and commitment in the young man who asked for twice a week instead of one – The aerospace engineer goal is being met by an introduction to a mentor program alumnae who herself became an Aerospace engineer and who, during her internship, helped re-assemble the debris that fell from the Challenger explosion.

In addition to delivering the needs for their individual dream, we are dedicated to building a group of young people who engage with one another in a variety of outcomes that benefit the community—we unearth their talents and build on them while introducing them to new ideas.

This approach has attracted adults and teens who like the fact that the only requirement for a student to join, is that he or she is interested. It takes more time but the present struggle that teens are facing can only be repaired through individual attention. Complexity requires attention to detail. It is the gift that an individual non-profit group can provide if basic resources are available.