The Plenary, Co. and Society for Science Launch New STEM Educational Resources to Inspire the Next Generation of Scientists

International Science and Engineering Fair Alumni Share Personal Stories in New Collection Launching on International Day of Women and Girls in Science

San Francisco, Calif. and Washington, D.C. – San Francisco-based The Plenary, Co., in partnership with Society for Science, announces the launch of a new educational resource package for its I Am A Scientist initiative. This multimedia collection includes interactive digital stories, classroom posters, and teaching guides that showcase pathways and possibilities in STEM careers. The collection debuts on February 11, 2025, coinciding with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, highlighting the crucial role of representation in inspiring the next generation of scientists.

Launched in 2020, I Am A Scientist was developed through extensive research and collaboration with educators to challenge stereotypes and reimagine how students engage with STEM careers. By bringing real stories into classrooms nationwide, I Am A Scientist now reaches more than 1 million students each year, showing them the many faces and paths of modern science.

The Society for Science Collection features alumni from the organization’s prestigious International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), representing fields ranging from microbiology to entrepreneurship and immersive design. This collaboration brings together two organizations dedicated to democratizing science education and showcasing the human side of STEM careers.

“There’s no one way to pursue STEM, and this collection – featuring alumni from one of the world’s most renowned science fairs – proves it,” says Stephanie Fine Sasse, Founder and Director of The Plenary, Co. “From their early starts showcasing experiments on a global stage to the unique pathways they carved for themselves, these inspiring individuals represent the breadth of creativity, curiosity, and innovation that STEM careers can offer.”

The free collection includes:

  • Interactive digital portals featuring scientists’ personal stories and career paths
  • Downloadable classroom posters highlighting scientists’ unique interests and pursuits
  • Comprehensive teaching resources for educators
  • Profiles of diverse STEM professionals who combine science with interests like ballroom dancing, gardening, linguistics, and running

This initiative builds on Society for Science’s long legacy of championing science education and The Plenary, Co.’s mission to democratize knowledge and imagination. Drawing from Society for Science’s prestigious ISEF, which brings together students from over 60 countries annually, the collection emphasizes the integration of creativity and personal interests with scientific careers, challenging traditional stereotypes about who can be a scientist.

“Society for Science has been identifying and elevating extraordinary young scientists and innovators since 1942 through our world renowned science research competitions including the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and other competitions,” says Maya Ajmera, President & CEO, Society for Science and Executive Publisher, Science News. “This collection showcases the remarkable paths our alumni have taken, demonstrating to students everywhere that there are countless ways to pursue and succeed in STEM.”

The complete collection will be available starting February 11 at iamascientist.info, with no registration required. Educators can immediately access and download all materials at no cost.

About The Plenary, Co.

The Plenary, Co. transforms how communities engage with world-shaping ideas through an innovative blend of art, science, and storytelling. The 501(c)3 civic arts & science nonprofit creates experiences and programs that make complex knowledge accessible to everyone through three main approaches: inspiring students through programs like I Am A Scientist, which reaches 1M+ students annually; creating immersive public experiences that explore critical issues; and building resources for changemakers. With roots in neuroscience, design, and education, The Plenary, Co. uses research-backed approaches to unlock collective knowledge and imagination in pursuit of more sustainable and equitable futures.

About Society for Science

Society for Science is a champion for science, dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement. Established in 1921, Society for Science is best known for its award-winning journalism through Science News and Science News Explores, its world-class science research competitions for students, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, and its outreach and equity programming that seeks to ensure that all students have an opportunity to pursue a career in STEM. A 501(c)(3) membership organization, Society for Science is committed to inform, educate and inspire. Learn more at www.societyforscience.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat (Society4Science).

Media Contact: Julie Richter
julie@julierichter.co

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