SpringBoard Summer Series adds new sciences program at Fermilab
Application period now open for career exploration sessions
The popular SpringBoard Summer Series offered by KidsMatter and key community partners is expanding this year with the introduction of a new Physical & Life Sciences program at Fermilab in Batavia.
High school students ages 16 or older with an interest in exploring science-related careers can apply to participate in the first year of this exciting educational experience, which experts at Fermilab — known as “America's particle physics and accelerator laboratory” — are curating specifically for KidsMatter.
“Students who are passionate about the STEM fields will be able to explore the world of science from all sorts of different perspectives,” said Nina Menis, CEO and executive director of KidsMatter. “Career opportunities are abundant in this high-growth area, and the SpringBoard Summer Series at Fermilab will help students gain a wide-ranging introduction.”
The SpringBoard Summer Series is in its third year offering free classwork and field experiences in a variety of popular career sectors. Courses offer expert instruction in the chosen subject, and some also provide college credit through College of DuPage and/or completion of the Teen Mental Health First Aid certification from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
The SpringBoard program launched in 2023 with a Survey of Healthcare Careers, introduced in partnership with Endeavor Health.
With expertise and funding from several key partners, these summer opportunities now also include a pharmacy technician program, an Introduction to Construction Management course, and the new Physical & Life Sciences program.
Applications are now being accepted from students at several Naperville-area high schools for all courses within the 2025 SpringBoard Summer Series. Exact dates and times vary by course, and sessions are generally scheduled between early June and early August.
Interested students can visit kidsmatter2us.org/springboard-series/ for details and to apply.
The program is grant-funded, so KidsMatter and sponsoring organizations cover all costs for SpringBoard coursework and field experiences. Interested students can indicate if they need transportation to classroom sites.
Applications are due Tuesday, April 15. Students selected to participate in this year’s programs will be notified during the week of April 22.
For details about specific SpringBoard Summer Series courses or applications, visit kidsmatter2us.org/springboard-series/.