STEM Programs

STEM Talks: Inspiring young adults to pursue STEM careers

32+

Chicagoland STEM professionals

34%

STEM Talk speakers reflect the youth served by Lumity

5,256

Chicagoland students reached

197

STEM Talks delivered

If you can’t see it, you can’t be it

STEM Talks is Lumity’s signature volunteer experience that connects Lumity youth with Chicagoland STEM professionals and leaders, many who are from the same backgrounds and communities as our participants. STEM Talk speakers share their personal and professional journeys in STEM, highlighting why they love their job and how they continue to grow. They model for young adults how to navigate college and careers, share strategies they use to overcome challenges, and show our participants that they too can be STEM leaders.

STEM Talks volunteers help Lumity students envision their own STEM careers. Our volunteers inspire Lumity youth — and are inspired by them.

STEM Talks benefits our students and our volunteers

Increase STEM career awareness

With STEM Talks, Lumity youth envision what is possible in STEM for themselves and are inspired to take action

Enable skills development

Students learn strategies for navigating college and STEM careers while learning invaluable skills such as asking high quality questions and networking

Get inspired by our students

STEM Talk speakers are inspired by the Lumity youth they connect with—their questions, their interests, and their burgeoning passion for STEM

Provide networking opportunities

Speakers connect with Lumity students and create long-lasting relationships

Tap into industry talent

Corporate partners introduce Chicagoland’s next generation STEM to their company’s mission and culture

Expand corporate DEI initiatives

Employers highlight their commitment to Chicagoland youth and breaking barriers to STEM careers

STEM Talks in the pipeline

We are looking for Healthcare professionals for STEMWorks soon-to-be graduating high school seniors who want to pursue a healthcare career.

All hands-on-deck for Construction and Trades professionals interested in helping aspiring Apprentices in your field.

Searching for IT professionals who can help youth navigate the various technology career paths to figure out what’s right for them.

Sign up as a STEM Talk Speaker at our five high school partners.

Success Story

Lumity students success

“The Lumity STEM Talks were the reason I pursued my dream of engineering. Listening to the decisions the speakers made in their STEM careers helped me realize that I could do it too. When there is something that would benefit me, there is nothing to lose by trying it!”
Safi Askar
Amundsen graduate

“There are so many ways to support Chicago kids and get them interested in STEM careers. If you have time, give time. If you have money, give money. If you can speak to kids, do that. If each one of us reaches one or two kids, they will grow up to reach others. Think about the impact we will have.”
Charles Gill
STEM Talk Speaker