Science Career Continuum

The Chicago Botanic Garden's Science Career Continuum (SCC) delivers environmental science enrichment, mentorship, and authentic research opportunities to underserved students from Chicago Public Schools. The program comprises three components-Science First, College First, and undergraduate internships-and targets youth from backgrounds underrepresented in science. SCC has benefited more than 500 students during its 22-year history. SCC's replicable model supports students along a multi-year path-including critical transitions between middle school, high school, and college-and has demonstrated excellent results. Since 2008, 100% of SCC seniors have graduated from high school, 95% have matriculated to college, and 93% of survey responders have earned a post-secondary degree.