● I AM A SCIENTIST
Inspiring the next generation of knowledge keepers and seekers through science, art, and play.
Our youth hold the potential to shape our future for the better, if we give them the tools to do so.
● Our Approach
Our Juniors initiatives include programs for classrooms and families. In collaboration with parents and K12 educators, we design digestible, multimedia resources anchored in our issue areas.
From school to your living room, our goal is to lay the groundwork for a generation rooting in curiosity, reflection, and imagination.
OUR CORE JUNIORS’ programI Am A Scientist
A multimedia classroom campaign that spotlights real stories of scientists and engineers.
I Am A Scientist is our keystone Juniors initiative. It’s designed to break stereotypes about what science is and who can do it, while showing kids the many ways that knowledge can shape society (and they can shape knowledge). We take a dynamic approach that focuses on relevance and relatability, to inspire kids to see themselves in science.
⬤
Breaking Stereotypes.
We showcase real world scientists from across backgrounds, personalities, and fields that challenge misconceptions about what STEM careers can be, and who can lead them.
⬤
Demystifying Career Pathways.
There's no one path to science. We share scientists' unique journeys while highlighting the insider tips that aren't always accessible to students.
⬤
Humanizing Science.
By highlighting both the passions and challenges of the people behind the science, we encourage students to see these fields in new and relatable ways.
⬤
Connecting STEM to society.
We focus on the real world problems that STEM fields help solve, so that students can see the connections between science and the things they care about.
OUR FRAMEWORKCultivating an engaged STEM IdentitY
-
Seeing people we relate to doing work we care about matters. Whether it’s a shared passion, community, life experience, or hobby, that small connection can be a first step towards expanding our visions for what we’re capable of.
-
Science presented in textbooks can be cold, flat, and removed from real world contexts and related ways of knowing. It’s important for us to understand how knowledge building can be a practical tool that positively impacts the issues we care about.
-
Many people who enjoy STEM fields haven’t been introduced to the wide range of career opportunities, often across levels of training. Demystifying practical pathways to and through STEM is an essential part of making these fields more accessible to everyone.
Practice
“I KNOW HOW”People
“I CAN”Purpose
“I CARE”
FEATURED I AM A SCIENTIST COLLECTIONS
-
![]()
Superhuman Body
Film collection
The Superhuman Body Collection features inspiring scientists behind ground-breaking biomedical innovations changing the future of human health.
-
![]()
Amgen Foundation
Partner Collection
The Amgen Foundation Collection features scientists and STEM professionals working across disciplines to pursue research and innovation in healthcare.
-
![]()
Life Sciences in Full Color
Partner collection
The Life Sciences in Full Color Campaign, in partnership with LabCentral Ignite, features diverse STEM professionals contributing to the future of biotechnology.
● The Plenary x Classrooms
The I Am a Scientist program challenges misconceptions about what STEM is and who can do it, while supporting students in pursuing leadership roles in STEM fields.
I Am a Scientist is an educational storytelling program designed to break stereotypes and barriers in science, technology, math, and engineering by creating inclusive STEM resources. Our program consists of multiple platforms that aid teachers in the classroom.
Storytelling is powerful, and the majority of messages students receive tell a very limited story about what STEM is and who can do it. In addition to written narratives, all of our kits include a range of multi-media elements to make sure students - and the public - see and hear relatable STEM stories.
We are working to bring stories, conversations, and exploration to classrooms and living rooms.
Through storytelling and play, we can help inspire the next generation to challenge the status quo and lead issues in sustainability, human systems, science and technology, and the nature of knowledge.
8OK
Posters donated
Sustainably and ethically produced and distributed to educators nationwide
5OOK
Students reached annually
Currently served annually through our program (not including online!)
5O
States
Served via distribution of classroom poster kits
7O%
Of poster kits donated to schools
And all resources available to download for free online
THE GALLERY
Our partners are amazing
We’ve been honored to collaborate with incredible partners to expand the reach of our I Am a Scientist initiative across the US.
We are so grateful to have the support of such aligned teams who are equally committed to providing tools and resources for the next generation.
MacGillivray Freeman Films
This cinematic partnership explores cutting edge frontiers of biotechnology and health. The Film, "Superhuman Body: World of Medical Marvels," in partnership with MacGillivray Freeman Films was released in IMAX and giant screen theaters April 12, 2024. We've released new spotlights from 8 scientists! They also supported our Girls Night Out event at Perot Museum in Dallas.
LabCentral Ignite
We collaborated with LabCentral Ignite on the “Life Sciences in Full Color” campaign, to share scientist stories on buses and billboards across Boston, MA.
● The plenary x family
We believe that sometimes the best place to explore ideas is right around the dinner table.
Our goal is to provide additional conversation-starters, events, and tools for families to engage with our resources together, outside of the classroom setting. The Plenary x Family is a new initiative currently in its testing phase. Stay tuned for carefully crafted family experiences to pique interest and sparks of insight.
All of our family resources will be part of Clubhouse - Anywhere.
SUPPORT OUR WORK
We welcome mission-aligned partners and sponsors
As a small organization, we selectively choose partners to support the growth and sustainability of our programs.
Sound like you? Fill out the following partnership interest form so we can start the conversation!
We invite the following types of partnerships for our Juniors initiatives.
● “Clear the List” Sponsors
Every day, we get new sign ups from educators across the US requesting our resources. Your support can make it possible to serve them.
● Collection Partners
Want to see a new collection for your city, your field, or your favorite The Plenary initiative? Reach out to learn how to fund a collection.
● Promotional Partners
Have an idea for a collaboration that may further a shared mission? Or a complementary resource that our communities may benefit from? Let us know!
● Sustaining Funders
As a small organization, we are seeking capacity-building support to help us keep up with growing demand.
