Erika Ebbel Angle, Ph.D., knows science can be a tough sell for kids – “which is crazy,” she adds, “because science is awesome!”
But as the founder and executive director of Science from Scientists (SciSci), a nonprofit organization on a mission to teach and inspire the next generation of STEM students, she’s beginning to change their hearts and minds. As a SciSci educator relayed to Angle, “A student said to me today, ‘I wish I had a picture of you so I could look at it at night and dream of being a scientist.’”
And regardless of whether a child pursues a career in science, Angle says, “the skills SciSci teaches — persistence, teamwork, critical thinking, asking intelligent questions, testing and re-testing — are really important.”
The employee-led team at the Boston Scientific Foundation, which identifies worthy non-profit organizations each year to receive financial grants, agreed: Last year, it awarded SciSci $70,000 in STEM education grants to help them implement their programs at several schools in Massachusetts and Minnesota.
Supporting the communities where our employees live and work
The mission of the Boston Scientific Foundation is to improve health and educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged populations in communities where Boston Scientific employees live and work. This includes locations in California, Georgia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Texas, and Puerto Rico.
In 2024, the Foundation awarded STEM education grants totaling $432,657 to 28 organizations, including SciSci, that work to enrich science, technology, engineering and math academics for economically disadvantaged K-12 students.
“Thanks to a generous donation from the Boston Scientific Corporation, we anticipate a 60% increase in our STEM education grants in 2025,” says Jessica Aleshire, program officer for the Foundation.
Improving outcomes for students and teachers alike
Science from Scientists puts real scientists and engineers into elementary and middle school classrooms with the goal of making science fun (and achievable) for all students. Every SciSci educator works in partnership with their host teachers and brings STEM kits so kids can get involved hands-on with the day’s subject matter. Each lesson also includes a “Scientist Spotlight” in which kids learn about scientists from diverse backgrounds who have succeeded in their fields.
Students love and look forward to these lessons. “So many kids cry when it’s the last SciSci visit of the year,” says Angle.
Making it all happen requires funding, which is why Angle applies for many grants every year, including the Boston Scientific Foundation STEM education grant.
The funds not only helped support curriculum development, program evaluation and the work of their 51 scientist educators, it is also helping SciSci grow. “This year, we have 39 partner schools in Massachusetts and 28 scientists and engineers on our teaching team,” says Angle. “We’re trying to improve the STEM education outcomes of as many students as we can reach.”
In one survey, SciSci’s partner teachers reported that 88% of their students saw themselves as more capable of doing science, 87% were more engaged in science learning, and 77% had greater interest and awareness in STEM careers after experiencing the program. An independent evaluation of the program found that students who participated in SciSci achieved an average 10% higher proficiency on state science tests compared to peer groups. What’s more, 70% of teachers reported greater confidence in teaching science.
“Seeing this impact makes what we do so worthwhile, even in the most challenging times,” says Angle.
Learn more about the Boston Scientific Foundation and how it’s working to expand access to quality healthcare and education.