Kitty Andersen Youth Science Center
Welcome to the Kitty Andersen Youth Science Center Page!
Click on the links above
or read on to learn more about one of the the most admired museum youth programs in the country.
Mission
The mission of the Science Museum of Minnesota’s Kitty Andersen Youth Science Center is to engage youth 11-18 years old in STEaM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics) educational and professional opportunities, thereby empowering them to pursue their potential, experienced in the world of science, committed to serving the community, and grounded in their awareness of young people's ability to impact our institutions and communities.
Demographics
Currently, 96 youth work or volunteer in the KAYSC. 75% qualify for free and reduced lunch, 60% are girls, and 90% are youth of color. Since its inception, the KAYSC has engaged over 1000 participants. Because outreach to ethnic and cultural groups is a critical dimension of the KAYSC, the Center partners with a variety of organizations that extend the museum into participant communities. Last year alone, the KAYSC reached over 50,000 museum visitors and 5000 children on outreaches in over 25 different community sites.
History
The Kitty Andersen Youth Science Center (KAYSC) was created in 1996 to encourage young people to engage in experiential learning that developed their confidence in and appreciation for STEaM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics). Central to this approach was providing a safe, welcoming and supportive environment that encouraged participants in the endeavors. The KAYSC seeks to promote the healthy development of youth by involving them in the process of science and providing them with opportunities to contribute to others while learning. The Center is grounded in principles of positive youth development where an encouraging adult-youth relationship fosters interpersonal growth, develops confidence and builds a positive sense of self worth.
Over its 12 years, the KAYSC has evolved into one of the most admired museum-based youth programs in the country. The KAYSC was a charter member of YouthALIVE!, a national initiative of the DeWitt Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund and the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC). Through the national networking facilitated by YouthALIVE!, the KAYSC was widely acknowledged as a leader among museum programs for teens.
Values
The KAYSC was built on a belief that youth are active participants in their own learning where discovery, ownership and responsibility incite a positive attitude toward the sciences. Program staff create a learning environment where youth expression and leadership are valued and encouraged. Participants are empowered to take an active role in the planning, research, design, implementation and evaluation of their own program and projects.
Throughout KAYSC programs there is a strong emphasis on learning, not only science content, but also age-appropriate interpersonal and job-related skills applicable to school and other work situations. KAYSC programs provide a pathway of meaningful opportunities for youth from middle school through college to experience a variety of volunteer and work experiences, many alongside museum professionals.
Programming
KAYSC teens work in small teams (crews) with staff members to assist museum visitors, build exhibits, develop community STEaM projects/presentations, create and deliver presentations for youth at community partner and outreach sites, and do scientific research. The KAYSC offers year-round programming, held after school and weekends during the school year and weekdays in the summer at the Science Museum and partner sites.
Participants learn about STEaM as they develop a wide range of skills, including general training for teens in work-skill-development (professionalism, communication, teamwork), education (research, project/program development, presenting/facilitating) and career planning. KAYSC fieldtrips and team-building events develop participants’ communication skills and expose them to new ideas and environments. Participants gain career exposure through ongoing contact with museum professionals, partner organizations, special guests and scientists.
KAYSC youth participate on one or more program teams, facilitated by a KAYSC Youth Program Manager, and supported by educators, scientists, exhibit developers and artists from the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Twin Cities community.
To Learn More...
Click on these links to find out about current youth teams, information for youth who want to get involved, or the KAYSC goals and accomplishments.