Students Tour Botanic Gardens As Part Of STEAM Scholars Program

GLENCOE, IL — Twenty students from 13 local high schools toured the Chicago Botanic Garden last weekend as part of U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Deerfield) STEAM Scholars program.

Now in its fourth year, the program aims to connect highly motivated students with hands-on learning experiences in the fields of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics, or STEAM.

“Lake and Cook Counties offer incredible opportunities for students to learn about and work in STEAM fields here at home," Schneider said in a statement. "Our world-class Chicago Botanic Garden is a gorgeous, engaging example of the opportunities our students have, and I was thrilled to take this year’s STEAM scholars there on Saturday."

The tour was led by Botanic Garden staff including: Director of Restoration Ecology Andrea Kramer, Director of Plant Science and Conservation Kayri Havens, Ecologist Joan O'Shaughnessy and Community Engagement Manager Taran Lichtenberger, according to Schneider's office.

Related: Chicago Botanic Garden To Begin Charging For Admission

Schneider's STEAM Scholars program was open by application to all rising sophomores and juniors who live in the 10th Congressional District or attend high schools within its boundaries.

More than 30 students applied, and those selected from from Deerfield, Grant Township, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lakes, Libertyville, Mundelein, Stevenson, Vernon Hills, Warren Township, Wheeling and Zion Benton high schools, as well as Woodlands Academy, according to a spokesperson for the congressman.

In previous years, groups of scholars have visited Chicago Executive Airport, College of Lake County's chemistry and photonic labs, Jessup Manufacturing, the Lake County Sheriff's Office, Mitsubishi Electric Automation.

Some visits have been virtual during the coronavirus pandemic, and the rest of the schedule for this year's class has yet to be finalized.

The purview of the program has been expanded since it started in the 2018-19 school year to add an "A" to STEM to include arts and the humanities.

"STEAM education is critical for preparing our next generation for the jobs of the future," Schneider said. "Learning STEAM skills will help our students find creative solutions to problems like climate change, disease research, technology development and more.”