🔥 SPA POP-UP RECAP 🔥
This past Saturday, the youth brought the energy, the connection, and the opportunity to life at our latest SPA (Safe Place Away) Pop-Up… and the impact was real.
Young people from across the Austin @ Oak Park community pulled up not just to hang out—but to connect, heal, build relationships, and tap into real opportunities.
Youth Advisory Council: @itzel17388@its.di.ana@bigcoden@yor_assassin__@hannahsewedit_
Partners: @whataboutusinc@hopecdc@cpd15district@bebesark2223@drcrain@yourpassion1st
🎥 cred: @projexplore
💈: @the_official_lafoi
Space 🙏: @maryvilleacademy
From:
✨ Free food & good vibes
💈 Barbers showing love
🎮 Games & laughter filling the space
🤝 Networking with mentors & community leaders
💼 Job & opportunity connections
…but most importantly—a safe space where youth could truly be themselves.
That’s what SPA is all about.
SPA = Safe Place Away
A youth-led experience created through the One Five Youth Alliance where young people (14–24) can show up, feel seen, and leave with more than they came with—whether that’s a new connection, a new opportunity, or a new sense of purpose.
No long speeches.
No boring workshops.
Just real relationships + real experiences + real pathways forward.
And we’re just getting started.
🚨 NEXT SPA: MAY 30 (Location TBA)
Trust us… you don’t want to miss the next one.
If you’re a young person—pull up.
If you’re a parent—drop them off.
If you’re a business or organization—tap in and be part of the experience.
📩 Want to provide opportunities, jobs, or experiences?
Email: [email protected] or follow the 🔗 in our bio ⬆️
#SPA #OneFiveYouthAlliance #YourPassion1st #SafePlaceAway #YouthOpportunities
“I feel like people are intimated by me…”
That’s where the story starts.
But it doesn’t end there.
Read the full Black History Month appeal.
🔗 in bio #ProjectExploration #TheAustinExperience #STEMed #ChicagosBest #blackhistorymonth❤️🖤💚
We asked our young Black male participants if they’d ever been underestimated. Of course they have! Have you ever been underestimated?
HISTORY IS STILLL BEING WRITTEN.
A new species, Spinosaurus mirabilis, has been unearthed in the Sahara — led by Project Exploration co-founder Dr. Paul Sereno and his team!!
Recently, our students toured Paul Sereno’s Fossil Lab, where they explored fossil specimens and even participated in a hands-on mini dig experience.
Moments like this transform science from something distant into something tangible.
During Black History Month, we reflect on legacy — and on access. When youth see science up close, when they dig into the past with their own hands, possibility shifts.
Read more about our Fossil Lab field trip at the link in our bio.
#BlackHistoryMonth #STEMAccess #ProjectExploration #Spinosaurus
Photo credit: Keith Ladzinski / University of Chicago
Artwork credit: Dani Navarro
Article source: ScienceAlert (Feb 20, 2026)
Hey Austin families! Project Exploration is hosting Winter WonderSTEM—a FREE, super-fun, hands-on science bash designed to light up K-8 students and their entire crew.
It’s going to be an awesome day packed with Cool Experiments, Interactive Stations (think building challenges and tinkering), and Demos to make learning STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) even more fun. We want to show every student that STEM is important and totally doable.
The Quick Scoop
We also have FREE SNACKS AND DRINKS!
What: Winter WonderSTEM – A free day to explore all things STEM!
Who: K-8 Students and their awesome families.
Where: Christ Tabernacle Church
When: This Friday!
Cost: Yup, it’s FREE!
Snag Your Tickets Now – Spots are Limited!
You gotta register so we can make sure we have enough cool materials for everyone. Lock in your spot using the Eventbrite link in our bio. Don’t miss out! 🔗👈
Calling all Gary Community Schools and Gary Charter Schools seniors who are pursuing their college education in #STEM fields! We are partnering with @Boeing to host #STEMSigningDayGary and recognize your outstanding achievements and goals with a #scholarship and mentorship opportunity. Apply at awards.projectexploration.org by February 6th at 11:59pm!
Final week to apply for the STEM Signing Day 2026 Scholarship! Submit your application at awards.projectexploration.org by February 6th. Students are encouraged to submit early in case of technical difficulties.
Final week to apply for the 2025–2026 STEM Signing Day Scholarship! Applications close Friday, Feb 6 at 11:59 PM. Apply at awards.projectexploration.org!
Questions? Email [email protected].
Before you hit submit: proofread, double-check uploads, and submit early (don’t let Wi-Fi decide your fate). Deadline: Friday, Feb 6.
Questions? Email [email protected]
Meet Amber Neal, our STEM Ecosystems Senior Program Manager.🎉
She supports the youth development work through Project Explorations collaboration with the Department of Family and Social Services (DFSS).🚸
Learn more about her in her blog coming out this Friday, tomorrow, in our newsletter!👈
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#steminchicago #STEMecosystem #gettoknowus #southside #chicago
Part 1. Check out our program at It Takes a Village! And make sure to wish Mr. T happy birthday today. We’re counting on it!😉🎂
@itavschools #stem #afterschool #bronzeville #southside #blackandbrown
📣Welcome Claribel! / ¡Da una bienvenida a Claribel!👑
January 9th was our holiday soiree, and we wanted to welcome a new face to our board, Claribel Rodríguez (photo one third from the left).😊
🌟Bonus game: on the staff photos collage page, spot the former staff member who now serves on the board. Comment their name or place in the collage down below!⁉
Thank you for sticking with us in 2025!
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El 9 de enero era nuestra fiesta de las fiestas, e intentamos dar una bienvenida persona a nuestro consejo, Claribel Rodríguez (la foto uno la tercera de la izquierda).😊
🌟Juego: en la foto del personal, busca el miembro pasado del personal que ahora sirve en el consejo. Deja un comentario a continuación con el nombre de esta persona o su ubicación en la foto⁉
¡Gracias por quedarse con nosotros en 2025!
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#Holidays #newboardmember #steminchicago #cienciasenchicago
