Juniors
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 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 APPROACHOUR CORE JUNIORS’ APPROACH:I AM A SCIENTIST
I Am A Scientist is our keystone Juniors initiative. It’s a multimedia classroom campaign that spotlights real stories of scientists and engineers. 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.
The Plenary x I Am a Scientist Collections
For each of our core initiatives, we’re working towards creating a related I Am a Scientist collection that takes students through the core ideas via the lens of real world STEM leaders. We also create collections based on cities, partners, and special projects.
OK, But Why?
FEATURING: DEBBIE BEREBICHEZ
Imagine That
FEATURING: XIAO XIAO
Nature Knows Best
FEATURING: TINA CHENG
OUR FRAMEWORK:Cultivating an engaged STEM Identity
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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.
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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.
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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”We are working to bring stories, conversations, and exploration to classrooms and livingrooms.
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.
80K
Posters donated.
Sustainably and ethically produced and distributed to educators nationwide.
500K
Students reached annually.
Currently served annually through our program (not including online!).
50
States.
Served via distribution of classroom poster kits.
70%
Of poster kits donated to schools.
And all resources available to download for free online.
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. Our program consists of multiple platforms that aid teachers in the classroom.
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.
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.
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POSTERS HUNG IN A SCHOOL HALLWAY
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POSTERS IN A CLASSROOM
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OUR FOUNDER, STEPH, WITH A TEACHER
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TEACHER WITH A NEW COLLECTION OF POSTERS
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Posters in a school stairway
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science corner of a classroom
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.
The Plenary x Family
The Plenary x Family is a new initiative currently in its testing phase. Our goal is to provide additional conversation-starters, events, and tools for families to engage with our resources together, outside of the classroom setting. We believe that sometimes the best place to explore ideas is right around the dinner table. Stay tuned for carefully crafted family experiences to pique interest and sparks of insight.
All of our family resources will be part of the Clubhouse and based on the theme for each season.
SUPPORT OUR WORKBecome a partner or sponsor for our Junior’s initiatives.
As a small organization, we selectively choose mission-aligned partners to support the growth and sustainability of our programs.
PARTNERSHIP
AND SPONSORS
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.
Sustaining Funders
As a small organization, we are seeking capacity-building support to help us keep up with growing demand.
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!
*Please note: If you’re looking to book custom services or consulting, we offer limited client work as possible. Check out our private offerings here.
Current Partners & Supporters
PARTNERSHIP INQUIRY
Thank you for your interest in becoming a partner. We will be in touch if we believe there’s a potential fit.
Nominate
a STEM professional
Our I Am a Scientist program features a growing collection of STEM / STEAM professionals!
Know someone who might be an inspiring addition (yourself included)? Feel free to submit a nomination form!
Unfortunately, we’re unable to include everyone who is interested, but if it’s a fit for our current resources and priorities, we’ll be in touch!
SCIENTISTS
ENGINEERS
CREATIVE TECHNOLOGISTS
MATHEMATICIANS
SCIENCE POLICY PROFESSIONALS
RESEARCH SUPPORT
SCIENTIFIC ILLUSTRATORS
SCIENCE COMMUNICATORS
COMMUNITY SCIENTISTS
EXPLORERS
AND MORE!