Teen Advisory Board

Arizona Science Center’s Teen Advisory Board works closely with the Center’s leadership team to develop, test, and implement content, programs, and special events targeted to teens ages 12-18. Board Members, selected through an application and interview process, are an important asset of the Science Center as we are uniquely positioned to inspire teens to engage in science, and perhaps even consider a STEM-related career.

Not only do board members have a real impact on the Center’s engagement with the teen audience, but they also gain experience serving on the board of a leading cultural institution. Throughout the year-long commitment, the members collaborate, not only with Arizona Science Center staff but also with community partners in the planning and implementation of programs and events for teens.

Since the inception in 2017, Arizona Science Center’s Teen Advisory Board has engaged more than 3,600 youth, ages 13-18-year-olds, in hands-on STEM learning opportunities.

Teens Advisory Board Events

CREATE Teen Events

CREATE Teen Events provide teens the opportunity to participate in maker experiences in a social environment that engages them through problem-based learning and spark their curiosity in STEM-based careers. Held in CREATE, our 6500 square foot maker space, CREATE Events are designed to be the most hands-on and interactive and incorporate a wide variety of themes.

Teen Science Socials

Science Socials provide the opportunity for teens from across the Valley to re-engage with the Science Center in a whole new way. Unlike the typical field trip or family visit they may have experienced as a child, these events are designed around a theme with a variety of corresponding science-based activities for high school students to engage in. Thanks to community partners these events are typically free of providing guests free food and drinks. Science socials often include live music, photo-ops, and reduced or free admission to the current featured exhibit at the Science Center.

TeenTalk: Careers in STEM

Each TeenTalk: Careers in STEM workshops provides teens the opportunity to engage with industry professionals to learn about specific STEM-based careers. In addition to the opportunity to ask questions of and engage in informal discussions with the panelists, these workshops engage participants with hands-on activities or simulations related to the careers discussed. Teen Talks create a platform for teens to ask questions and speak informally with scholars, scientists and college representatives about STEM-related subjects and careers.

Virtual TeenTalk Events

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Teen Advisory Board chose to pivot and engage teens through virtual events. These events chose to focus on topics directly impacting teens today and included sessions around Mental Health, Pursuing STEM in High School, and Tips & Tricks to High School Success. Structured like the TeenTalk: Careers in STEM, the virtual events provide teens the opportunity to engage with a panel of experts, some teens themselves and others adult experts in the field, to learn information, discuss experiences, and engage with others their age when coming together in person is a challenge.

What do Teens Advisory Board members do?

• Participate in meetings, as well as respond promptly to periodic email requests for input and feedback
• Actively assist in organizing program-oriented events and activities at the Science Center
• Serve as ambassadors/leaders on the board, leading by example
• Promote Teen events happening at the Center
• Provide ideas, insights, and feedback on new programs

2020-2021 Teen Advisory Board Members

Generously supported by the Herbert H. and Barbara C. Dow Foundation