The George W. Carver Science Center

09/28/2026

In Chicago we have a problem with social determinants of student STEM achievement. Depending on where a child lives in the city there is a 31-35% chance that they will perform lower on measures of science math and English language arts achievement than children in the same grades in higher resourced neighborhoods.
All children have the capacity to learn and achieve. Our greatest asset is community. We have everything we need doctors, teachers, accountants, artists, mama’s, baba’s. We are not outnumbered we are out organized. Here’s a couple of STEM workshops our Board and volunteers have participated in. Contact us, leave your email address to join and volunteer your gifts and talents.
Www.thecarversciencecenter.org

09/17/2026

The Mark Cuban AI Bootcamp for grades 9-12 is coming to CHICAGO and maybe a city near you. Applications close September 30th. The Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp introduces students to artificial intelligence through hands-on activities, career-focused learning, and real-world projects. No coding experience is required, and all equipment and materials will be provided. Students must commit to all 3 sessions.
The Chicago bootcamp will be held on:
Saturday, October 31, 2026
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Saturday, November 14, 2026

Watch video Watch video Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp Quiz: Find out if Bootcamp is right for you by answering seven quick questions. Mark Cuban Foundation Is AI Bootcamp for you? Question 1 of 7 Apply Now Take it again Student Lives Empowered 0 + Applications for the Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bo...

09/04/2026

📍 Shifting the Narrative: Chatham is a community of rich cultural heritage, legendary entrepreneurship, and brilliant youth—home to the iconic 75th St. Restaurant Row and legends like Mahalia Jackson, Ernie Banks, Senator Roland Burris, and Chance the Rapper. Yet our children face systemic opportunity gaps that block their paths to the thriving STEM economy.
Our Chatham Community STEM Education Profile exposes the stark spatial disparities in our schools:

📉 Schools in historically under-resourced treatment neighborhoods (Englewood, Chatham, North Lawndale, East Garfield Park, Humboldt Park) face a 34.0% to 35.1% expected proficiency in Science and math compared to control neighborhoods (Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Edgewater, etc.)
These gaps do not reflect our children’s brilliance or capability. This is a systemic failure. We refuse to let disinvestment define our children’s futures. Chatham possesses an abundance of underutilized community assets that we can mobilize to build safe, supportive, and informal STEM learning environments:
🏫 1 Community Center
📚 4 Libraries
🌳 27 Park Districts
🏢 98 Social Service Agencies
🏦 10 Local Banks
🚒 8 Fire Stations
We do not have to wait for external systems to save us. We have the assets; we must coordinate them to build community-based STEM sanctuaries for our youth.
📢 Calling all Chatham Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), Youth Advocates, and Concerned Parents: Contact us at [email protected] to learn more about upcoming STEM programs and community listening sessions.

08/28/2026

Calling all science enthusiasts: The University of Chicago's is back for its 5th year on Oct. 3! Join The Carver Science Center for a day of hands-on demonstrations, brain-bending challenges, and more!

Learn more and RSVP: https://southsidescience.event.uchicago.edu/

08/17/2026

Artificial Intelligence Basics: Work/Life Support with Charlotte Cager, Engagement Specialist Team Lead CPS
Thursday, August 20,10-11:30 a.m. No cost professional development opportunity for educators.
Get a practical introduction to using AI to save time, spark ideas, and support planning, communication, and everyday teaching tasks with confidence. All participants will receive ISBE Continuing Education credits for attending this session. REGISTER NOW: https://rush.zoom.us/meeting/register/1vz8wNt-S7OV1-s7tycbLQ #/registration

07/11/2026

SCIENCE IS FOR EVERYONE! Thank you to the Chicago Public Library Avalon Branch for hosting the Chemistry of Wellness workshop for children and families. We made bath bombs, lip balm and soap. Many thanks to Forrester Financial Group for sponsoring the event.

06/17/2026

Dream Academy Foundation is excited to invite high school students to participate in our upcoming AI Innovation Camp in partnership with Shine Bright Community Center.
This free 4-day camp will introduce students to the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence while helping them build valuable skills for school, college, and future careers. Participants will explore AI, strengthen soft skills, learn consulting basics, engage in real-world projects, and develop career readiness skills.

Register Here: Linkhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfoFbFqC24srO-BkOnpp-a49GdojouV12D0P1QNu9Y-jc0ITg/viewform

Camp Details:

Dates: June 22–25, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Shine Bright Community Center
8560 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Chicago, IL 60619
Participants: High School Students
Cost: Free
Includes: Free food and giveaways

06/08/2026

Register your rising middle school students for this NO-COST Human Body Science summer STEM program at the Rush Center for Wellbeing- Sankofa Wellness Center. Students will participate in dissections and learn about human body systems. Guaranteed to be fun and filled with learning with a licensed teacher.

06/06/2026

Another free event sponsored by Girls Like Me Project, Inc., on the South Side of Chicago. Register your girls to attend.

06/03/2026

Youth Fellowship Opportunity! CHICAGOLAND
Youth who live in and around the Greater Grand Crossing, Auburn Gresham and Chatham neighborhoods are especially encouraged to apply!

Yes: they will be eligible to receive a participation stipend.
Yes: they can apply for this fellowship even they are also in another youth program.
Yes: parent/guardian must attend an orientation.