Teen Programs
The Connecticut Science Center offers several programs for teens, ranging from one-time events to immersive opportunities to explore a broad range of STEM fields and careers. Our Teen Program is part of a multi-year pipeline program designed to create equitable engagement and access to STEM learning opportunities and careers. Our collaborative partnerships with external partners help teens from diverse communities develop problem-solving skills, gain confidence, deepen their understanding of STEM, and explore career and college pathways.
Teen Innovation
Teen Innovation provides youths (primarily from under-resourced communities in Connecticut), the opportunity to work at the Science Center. Ambassadors spend six weeks over the summer creating original programs and exhibits that teach others about STEM. In the process, they strengthen their STEM identities, gain valuable leadership skills, plan their academic futures, and practice effective communication.
Last year, 30 students from the Greater Hartford Region participated. The Teen Innovation Program also hosted two high school interns from Hartford Public High School's ReadyCT Pathways Program. The HPHS interns served as assistant managers and peer mentors to ambassadors in the program.
To be eligible to apply for Teen Innovation program in the summer, teens must complete one full session of the Science Center’s Investigate! program or be a part of the Teen Advisory Council for one full school year.
Teen Advisory Council
The Teen Advisory Council is a teen-driven community that stands to uphold leadership, promote change, and raise awareness about teen programs at the Connecticut Science Center. This youth-led program involves consistent, structured meetings that offer a safe space for students to share their thoughts, and plan, implement, and reflect on meaningful projects. During the 2023-2024 school year, teen council members built a social media campaign to connect their peers to quantum technology concepts, and others developed public programming focused on the geological timescale.
Want to be part of the 2025-2026 Teen Advisory Council? Applications will be available in August of 2025.
Investigate!
Investigate! encourages teens interested in science to explore engaging in-depth STEM areas typically not covered in school. Each workshop provides an opportunity to explore multiple areas, increase enthusiasm for STEM, and highlight many STEM careers. Some topics include food science, computer coding, sound engineering, and architecture & design.
Teen Science Cafe
Partner with the Connecticut Science Center’s Teen Program to bring the engaging Teen Science Café experience to your site! This after-school program offers middle and high school students a fun and interactive way to explore cutting-edge advancements in science and technology that impact their lives. Students will have the opportunity to engage with STEM experts through lively conversations and hands-on activities, diving deeply into a selected topic. The program works closely with a core group of student leaders, guided by a dedicated adult mentor, to plan, host, and execute a culminating café event featuring a STEM professional. This program provides a unique opportunity for students to build leadership skills, connect with STEM professionals, and foster a love for science within their school communities.
Duration:
45-60 minutes per session
Capacity:
Up to 25 students
Price:
Program Fee: $2,000 (covers 8 sessions at $250/session).
Event Budget: $500 (recommended to cover food, marketing, materials, etc.). The event budget can either be added to the Science Center cost and managed by the Teen Program Manager, or handled directly by the school/institution.
Investigate! Career Academy Series
Experience our mini career-exploration series to bring dynamic, hands-on learning to middle and high school students. During a 45-60 minute program, our Teen Education team will immerse students in various career fields in architecture, genomics, biomechanics, sound engineering, environmental sciences, and more. In each session, students engage in a range of hands-on experiences designed to simulate various professions, while developing the critical skills necessary for success in STEM: problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and creativity. Potential activities may include DNA extraction, solving a crime using gel electrophoresis, sound production for movies, and many more.
Recommended for students in 6th-12th grades
Duration:
45-60 minutes per session
Capacity:
Up to 25 students
Price:
$325 per program, plus travel
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Programs
Justin Riley
Justin is the Teen Programs Manager and STEM Educator at the Connecticut Science Center, where he works closely with high school students, giving them access to STEM and leadership programming. Justin graduated from the University of Hartford with his Bachelors in Electrical Engineering Technology. He later continued his education and received his Master’s in Counselor Education and Student Development.
Justin has worked for several years with a wide range of students from pre-K to college. His love of engineering and mentoring led him to the Connecticut Science Center, where he gets to use his many talents to work and connect with the students in the Greater Hartford area. When he is not helping to run the teen program, he spends his time traveling and spending close time with family and friends.
Justin Riley
(860) 520-2141
teens@ctsciencecenter.org
Contact Us
Our teen programs offer hands-on experiences, leadership development, and opportunities to work alongside STEM professionals. Whether you're exploring future careers, building new skills, or connecting with like-minded peers, we’re here to support your journey. Reach out to learn about opportunities to get involved.
Thank you to our funders
