My CHI. My Future. is a citywide initiative that encompasses all youth programming, job opportunities, and youth-related activities within the City of Chicago. You can explore topics that your child is interested in and your family finds important, find where programs are offered near you, and filter for cost. When you see something you like, you can see detailed program information and navigate to the provider website to sign up.
My CHI. My Future.
Explore questions such as:
What STEM opportunities are currently offered at my child’s school or nearby community?
Are there STEM opportunities near me that align with my child’s interests and talents?
Are there opportunities that connect my child to STEM topics I want them to try out?
Done exploring? Find more resources for school opportunities here.
ExploreSTEM learning opportunities and patterns across the city of Chicago in order to:
Connect your child to opportunities now for STEM learning and experiences outside of school hours
Plan for next steps, such as strategically considering future school selection, STEM classes, after school programs, or summer jobs
Advocate for the opportunities your family and community want to see by making connections and identifying what is missing
Learn how to get started with the SVG icons and Slider Dots
This site is a work in progress! We're showing all the data we currently have, but we know it’s not complete. We’re always working to expand it. If you know of a STEM learning asset that’s missing (like a program, an organization, a location, or anything else!), let us know here.
Community OST program data is from City of Chicago Department of Family Support Services, and School classes and OST program data are from Chicago Public Schools.
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, but it’s much more than just subjects in school—it’s a way of thinking, exploring, and solving problems. STEM connects to every part of our world, from cooking and gardening to designing apps and tackling climate change. It’s interdisciplinary, integrating creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.
Learning STEM skills equips young people for a rapidly changing workforce, where careers are emerging at the intersection of fields like artificial intelligence, climate science, and advanced manufacturing —over 65% of today’s students will work in careers that don’t exist yet. But STEM is not only about future jobs; it’s also about cultivating joyful, hands-on experiences that inspire curiosity and connect young people to the world around them.
Learning happens everywhere, not just in classrooms. In fact, research shows that 80% of young people’s learning happens outside the classroom—in after school programs, summer camps, libraries, museums, at home, and in the community. These informal learning environments provide opportunities to explore, experiment, and grow in ways that complement and extend classroom education.
Every child’s STEM learning journey is unique, shaped by their interests, opportunities, and connections with others. These journeys unfold over time and across places—whether it’s discovering a love of engineering through a summer robotics camp, practicing coding skills at a library program, or learning about climate science by exploring nature with family. STEM learning is also deeply social. It happens through mentorship, collaboration with peers, and interactions with family members. And it’s not always a straight path. These journeys can take many forms, with diverse outcomes, unexpected challenges, and moments of inspiration that spark new directions and growth.
As a parent or caregiver, you hold a unique and essential role in your child’s learning. You’re not just a supporter—you’re a decision-maker, advocate, and guide, helping to shape the opportunities that will inspire and prepare them for the future. As a broker of opportunities, you help connect your child to experiences that align with their interests and strengths, support possible futures, and build on prior opportunities. As an advocate, your voice can help bring new STEM opportunities to schools, afterschool programs, and communities. By asking for classes or programs that reflect your family’s values and STEM learning intentions you’re not only supporting your child but helping to build a stronger ecosystem for every learner.
These visualizations are here to help you explore what’s out there—both in school and beyond—so you can make informed decisions that reflect your family’s priorities. Together, we can create pathways that inspire your child’s growth and build a STEM ecosystem where every learner thrives. Ready to get started? Link back to the home page
Your STEM Journey is a collaboration between Chicago Public Schools Department of STEM and Northwestern University’s Digital Youth Network with the goal of helping CPS families to use data to make informed decisions in connecting their young people with STEM opportunities in and out of school.
It takes a village working with us to create a connected landscape of online STEM opportunities.
A collaborative network for students, educators, and teachers, Innovation One aims to promote engagement in STEAM education and careers by providing resources to stakeholders.
A collaborative network for students, educators, and teachers, Innovation One aims to promote engagement in STEAM education and careers by providing resources to stakeholders.
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