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Teen Science Café Network

Turning casual conversations into real connections with STEM careers.

Serving Up STEM

The Teen Science Café Network (TSCN) is a project of STEM Next that guides out-of-school-time (OST) communities across the country to create fun, interactive STEM events and hands-on experiences for teens to explore careers that interest them. Every Teen Science Café is organized by a local adult leader, but run by teens who pick the topics, plan hands-on activities and invite experts to speak. At these casual gatherings, teens hang out, enjoy snacks, and talk with a scientist or engineer about cutting-edge topics—like robotics, AI, or new medical discoveries.

A smiling young woman and a man work together on a hands-on project at a table in a classroom during a casual STEM career exploration. Supplies, snacks, and craft materials are spread out, while others are seated and working in the background.

Research shows that being part of a Teen Science Café can help teens:

Build confidence in discussing STEM topics

Connect with new friends who share interests in science and technology

Explore real-world career pathways by meeting scientists and engineers from their communities

Develop leadership and teamwork skills by planning and running café events

Free Support for Local Leaders

The Teen Science Café Network offers free resources, training, and a welcoming community to anyone who wants to launch a Teen Science Café. The Network aims to make STEM exciting, accessible, and relevant for young people in libraries, museums, afterschool and summer programs, and other community spaces.

Ready to start a Teen Science Café in your community?

Learn how you can introduce teens in your area to the wonders of science—on their own terms and in their own voices.

Learn More

Disclaimer

This Project Outcomes Report for the General Public is displayed verbatim as submitted by the Prinicipal Investigator (PI) for this award. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this Report are those of the PI and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation; NSF has not approved or endorsed this content.

Grant #s: 2005815, 1935576, 1223830, 1906874