Our community expressed a desire for after-school STEM programming. Additionally, teens approached Jacksonville Public Library associate Kate Zakharov with their interest in sharing a love for science with younger children. Kate saw an opportunity to bring these groups together, thereby fostering educational success for two age groups at once, as well as the growth of at least nine of the 40 Developmental Assets, including Youth as Resources, Service to Others, Youth Programs and Planning and Decision Making.

Kate works with the teen facilitators to create a monthly STEM activity that meets library criteria for quality programming, including utilizing library resources. Kate and the teens work together to market the program by making announcements in schools and distributing flyers. Teens assume a leadership role in these steps, empowering them to help others (and to learn ancillary skills like marketing). Programs are held monthly on the school system’s “early release” Wednesdays.

JPL’s Budding Scientists program helps teens develop leadership skills by planning and implementing programming for school children. The teens are recognized as a valuable resource for the library. The excitement of these Science Honor Society students for STEM topics is infectious and 15 to 20 school-aged children increase their STEM knowledge at every event. Originally intended to run only during school months, because of high demand, Budding Scientists will be supporting educational success year round.