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The Science Center’s Youth Exploring Science (YES) Program welcomed back a familiar face earlier this year when Chastity Culberson joined the Community Science team as the manager of YES’s Aerospace component. A graduate of the YES Program, Chastity brings both a unique perspective and an accomplished background as an educator to the program. We spoke with Chastity to learn more about what types of activities the Aerospace teens will be jumping into, how the YES Program impacted her, and what lessons she’s looking forward to bringing full circle as she helps inspire the next generation of YES Teens.
Can you tell us a little bit about your current role at the Science Center and what you’ll be doing with the YES Teens?
I am currently a community science manager for the Aerospace component of the Youth Exploring Science (YES) Program. In the Aerospace component, I’ll be exposing teens to state-of-the-art technology and career experiences in the areas of space science, aeronautics and aviation.
Aerospace teens will work with a pilot monthly to receive real pilot hours through the Redbird flight simulator. Also, teens will be creating and leading space science activities with students in the St. Louis community through programs, camps and events. Additionally, Aerospace teens will be working on individual projects in their areas of interest.
Chastity, you happen to be a former YES Teen yourself. When did you graduate from YES, and do you have any standout experiences or memories from your time in the program?
I graduated from YES in 2002. My standout experience was the summer where I taught 3rd graders at Compton-Drew earth science activities. We were doing a volcano demonstration using baking soda and vinegar to create a chemical reaction, and I remember so vividly all the excitement and curiosity on the kids’ faces as they watched the volcano explosion.
Even more, I remember how happy and confident it made me feel to see them so happy to learn from me.
As a teenager, how did you get involved with the YES Program?
I was referred to the YES Program from Girls Inc., one of the Science Center’s community partners. I had been attending Girls Inc. ever since I was in 1st grade for their summer program.
While I was in the program, the older girls were sometimes extended privileges and promotions for their hard work and leadership. At the time of one of these promotions, I was chosen to get to be in the YES Program, the program that paid teenagers to learn and teach science. When the director told us that she was referring me for the program, my mom and I gratefully accepted. The YES Program was not only an opportunity for me to gain new skills, meet new people and get more exposure, but it was my first paying job.
You have an extensive history in education. Can you share a little about your career path after the YES Program and how YES helped prepare you for pursuing and achieving those goals?
For the first 13 years of my career, I worked as a middle school math and science teacher in Metro Nashville Public School District and Ferguson Florissant Public School District. My love for science and education came directly from the YES Program.
All of the fun I was having with doing science with younger kids is the reason I changed my major in college from nursing to education. My experience working with children helped me discover my passion for educating and serving them. Because of this background, I have also been able to make science fun and engaging for my own students by giving them so many hands-on science lessons over the years.
What are some of the skills the YES Program helped you develop? Are there any lessons you’re particularly excited about bringing with you to YES?
The YES Program helped me to develop skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, adaptability and empathy.
One of the main lessons that I look forward to giving the YES Teens is positive representation for minorities and women in the fields of STEAM. I will be intentional in affirming the abilities, strengths and confidence of these groups so that, through our work in the YES Program, they can continue achieving in STEAM.
STEAM programming delivered by the YES Teens both at the Science Center and in collaboration with the Science Center’s more than 60+ community partner organizations typically helps connect thousands of St. Louis community members with science and technology education programs each year.
Want to help support the YES Program? Consider making a gift to YES here.
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Your Impact
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