Chicago Public Schools Student Science Fair Inc

Overview

The Chicago Public Schools Student Science Fair Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education among students in the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) system. Its mission is to foster STEM literacy by providing students with opportunities to engage in scientific and engineering practices and present their work to professionals in specialized fields.

Financial Information

As of the latest available data (2023), the organization reported a revenue of approximately $79,200, while expenses were around $118,000. It maintains total assets of about $294,000 with no liabilities. Contributions make up the vast majority of its revenue, accounting for about 98.8% of its total income[1].

Programs and Activities

The organization supports the annual CPS Citywide Exhibition of Student STEM Research, which showcases high-quality student projects from across the city. This exhibition is the culmination of a multi-level process, starting with local school STEM fairs, proceeding to regional exhibitions, and finally to the citywide event[5]. The top projects from this event go on to represent Chicago Public Schools at the Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences (IJAS) State Exhibition[2].

Scholarships and Support

Chicago Public Schools Student Science Fair Inc. also offers scholarships to students participating in STEM fairs, ranging from $50 to $10,000. These scholarships are funded by corporate and philanthropic contributions. Students must submit applications, which include transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay discussing the influence of STEM education on their life and future plans[3].

Governance and Volunteer Opportunities

The organization involves members from CPS and the corporate sector in its governance. There are also opportunities for professionals with STEM backgrounds to volunteer as judges for its exhibitions, both virtually and in-person[5].

Through these initiatives, the Chicago Public Schools Student Science Fair Inc. aims to encourage STEM education and provide students with valuable opportunities for scientific exploration and professional feedback.