On Saturday, April 26, pride and celebration filled the halls of the Taylor Community Science Resource Center, home base of the Saint Louis Science Center’s Youth Exploring Science (YES) program. The atmosphere was alive with excitement at the efforts and accomplishments of the program’s 2025 graduating class. At the annual Senior Celebration, the Science Center recognized 11 YES teens for their completion of the STEM learning program, which empowers participants with hands-on STEM programming, exposure to STEM careers, and college and career training. This smaller-than-usual cohort of graduates, whose journey in YES began during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrated extraordinary resilience and commitment over the program’s four years, and their perseverance through those unprecedented challenges speaks to their dedication and passion for the program. The Senior Celebration, which ran from 10:00am to 1:00pm, brought together YES participants and their family members, as well as members of the Saint Louis Science Center team, including President and CEO Ray Vandiver.
A Day of Recognition and Reflection
The program featured welcoming remarks from Siinya Williams, Senior Director of Community Science at the Science Center, followed by reflective comments from Becky Thompson, Chief Science and Education Officer. YES program alumna Tenisha McCaleb looked back on her own time in YES, sharing insights and memories about the program and how it shaped her own educational and career journey.
The celebration also included a special moment to recognize Miles Wilson with the outstanding attendance award. This annual honor illustrates a YES teen’s exemplary record of attendance and their dedication to the program, which occurs over multiple Saturday sessions at the Taylor Building throughout the school year, as well as busy summers with community outreach efforts like Summertime Science, Pop-Up Science events, and more.
Looking to the Future
As these graduates move on to their next chapters, they carry with them valuable skills in STEM learning, critical thinking, leadership, and community engagement. For more than 25 years, the Science Center’s YES program has provided St. Louis-area teens with the hands-on STEM experiences and mentorship that empower these young people to achieve more in their future academic and professional pursuits.
Congratulations to the YES program’s Class of 2025! We can’t wait to see what their bright futures hold and the positive impact they will have in our community and beyond.
Community Support Makes Success Possible
The YES program continues to inspire and empower young people through accessible STEM learning thanks to numerous Science Center partners and sponsors. Special thanks to the following contributors for their generous support of the YES program with sponsorships of $1,000 or more:
- Toyota U.S.A. Foundation
- Employees Community Fund of Boeing St. Louis
- Laura J. Niles Foundation, Inc.
- Nestlé Purina PetCare
- Cardinals Care
- Henry A. Jubel Foundation
- The Boeing Company
- The Saigh Foundation
- Mastercard
- The Bellwether Foundation
- Norman J. Stupp Foundation – Commerce Bank Trustee
- Blues for Kids
- Burns and McDonnell
Support impactful STEM programs like YES. Make a gift to the Curiosity Fund here.
