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Teen Science Cafe-Building Connections Between Teens and Professionals

Imagine walking into a room buzzing with excitement, where teenagers are deeply engaged in exploring a scientific phenomenon. They're actively discussing their observations and ideas with a seasoned science professional, eagerly asking questions not only about the science itself but also about the expert's inspiring career journey. The professional connects with the teens, excited to share their knowledge and experiences. This isn't a dream—it's a typical scene at Teen Science Cafés hosted by Sanford Research.
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The Sanford PROMISE Teen Science Café is part of the Teen Science Café Network, a national organization that supports cafés across the country. Sanford PROMISE, the educational outreach program at Sanford Research, has been hosting these cafés since 2017. Louisa Otto, Research Education Specialist and mentor of the PROMISE café, emphasizes the importance of these gatherings for her community. “I am truly passionate about bringing teenagers together to learn and grow, and I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to do so. Our leadership team, made up of high school students, is simply amazing—they put so much effort into planning and executing events. I am constantly inspired by their enthusiasm for learning and their drive to connect with science professionals to create extraordinary experiences. Teen Science Cafés are unique because they bring students from many different schools together, offering a chance to meet new people and make friends. It’s a great way to build community,” says Otto.

Anita Saakyan, who attended many cafés last year, is now on the leadership team for 2025. With a strong interest in computer science, she is set to graduate this year. “I love being involved in my community and being around other teens. I also enjoy learning about science and getting exposure to different topics and careers,” says Anita.

Recently, Louisa Otto was invited to the Girls Build Solutions Conference in San Diego, where she connected with other café leaders. “I met so many wonderful educators who share my passion for connecting teens with professionals. I’m excited to learn about their programs and explore potential collaborations. The TSC Network also has great leaders who support cafés and their leaders and help start new cafés,” says Otto.

Beyond networking, the TSC Network offers teen leaders opportunities to develop their leadership skills. Four students from the PROMISE Teen Science Café were selected to join the Catalyst Program in the summer of 2024. During the program, they worked with the Teen Science Café Network staff to learn how to plan and execute their own science cafés.

The Sanford PROMISE Teen Science Café hosts cafés once a month, on the first Tuesday. To stay updated on event topics, follow on Facebook or Instagram @SanfordPROMISE, or subscribe to the PROMISE newsletter. To learn more about the program, visit the TSC dashboard.

 

 

 

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