Pathways to STEM
Pathways to STEM programs leverage the transformative power of informal learning and early STEM engagement to shape the future workforce. Through career-focused exhibits, dynamic programming, engaging events, and skill-building experiences for teens, the Science Center sparks an interest in STEM careers, connects young minds with academic and community resources and potential employers, builds career readiness, and prepares young learners to become future innovators.
Events
Through a variety of programming initiatives, the Science Center creates opportunities for students and families to interact directly with STEM role models and resources that can help them find success in achieving their post-secondary goals.
Pathways to STEM Nights
Pathways to STEM Night connects teens and their families with hands-on STEM exploration and all of the resources needed to succeed in STEM careers. Each event welcomes potential employers, undergraduate programs, training and certificate programs, summer camps, scholarships, and more. This event is free for middle and high school students and their families.
Sponsored by: The Cigna Group and Delta Dental
STEM Career Showcases
STEM Career Showcases highlight career opportunities in Connecticut for middle and high school field trip groups, developing strong thinkers and innovators for our future and inspiring more young people to consider STEM careers. STEM professionals deliver hands-on programs throughout our galleries that share the science, technology, and significance behind what they do.
Sponsored By: Delta Dental, HSB, The Cigna Group
Specialty STEM Days
Dive deep into specific STEM fields with themed specialty days highlighting emerging fields and innovative research. Each one features interactive demos designed to immerse families in STEM careers during their visit to the Science Center, inspiring young people to consider careers in rapidly evolving science and technology fields. Some upcoming specialty days include:
- CT MFG Day | October 4, 2025
- Engineering Week | February 14 - 17, 2026
- Quantum Day | April 14, 2026
- DNA Days | April 23 - 25, 2026
Pathways
As part of our commitment to building a more inclusive and inspiring STEM future, our Pathways to STEM programming takes a layered approach, ensuring that students have multiple opportunities to connect with and explore different career paths.
Women In Science Initiative
Serving students in Grades K-8, local youth groups, and everyday visitors, the Women in Science program encourages girls and young women to pursue STEM career pathways. It celebrates the achievements of women in the sciences by delivering programming that features STEM professionals, engaging girls in science, and building a community of women in the sciences.
Teen Program
Our Teen Program is a multi-year pipeline program designed to create equitable engagement and access to STEM learning opportunities and careers, and our collaborative partnerships with external partners help teens from diverse communities develop problem-solving skills, gain confidence, deepen their understanding of STEM and STEM identity, and explore career and college pathways.
Pathfinders Monthly
Sign up for our Pathfinders Monthly to learn more about career readiness programming opportunities available at the Science Center and throughout Connecticut.
Founding Support
Kelsey Rogers
(860) 520-2125
krogers@ctsciencecenter.org
Contact Us
Want to learn more about how Pathways to STEM is inspiring the next generation of innovators? Whether you're an educator, student, parent, or potential partner, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to explore opportunities for involvement, collaboration, or support — and discover how you can help expand access to powerful STEM learning experiences.