Youth Exploring Science
The Future of YES – Updated 05.29.2026
For 26 years, the Youth Exploring Science (YES) Program has connected young people in St. Louis to STEM through hands-on learning, mentorship and career exposure. Generations of youth have built skills, found community, and discovered new pathways through YES.
After more than two decades, the organization recognized an opportunity to strengthen YES for the next generation. To do so well required more than incremental updates. It required time to step back, listen and build a stronger foundation for long-term impact.
Over the next year, the Science Center will work with youth, families, alumni, educators, and community partners to shape the future of YES. The redesigned program will focus on:
- Clear, measurable outcomes for participants over time.
- Strong partnerships across schools, employers, and the regional STEM ecosystem.
- A sustainable model that supports long-term success.
- Meaningful input from the community to inform key decisions.
A redesigned YES program is expected to launch in September 2027.
Sign Up for Updates
For updates on the redesign process or opportunities to participate in upcoming engagement, please sign up below.
If you are a former YES participant, family member, educator, community partner, or someone who cares about STEM pathways for young people in St. Louis, we want to hear from you.
