Science Pioneers, Inc.
General Information
Contact Information
Nonprofit
Science Pioneers, Inc.
Address
30 W. Pershing, Suite 410
Kansas City, MO 64108
Phone
(816) 460-2261
Fax
816 460-2264
Website
www.sciencepioneers.org
Facebook
facebook.comhttps://www.facebook.com/SciencePione
ersKC
Twitter
twitter.com/SciencePioneers
Email
lsmith@sciencepioneers.org
At A Glance
SciPi
How to donate, support, and volunteer
Science Pioneers offers a number of ways to support
our work. Throughout the year, we have a variety of
ways volunteers can help. STEM (science, tech,
engineering & math) professionals play a key role in the
success of several of our programs. In addition, we
always need volunteers to assist with work in the office.
We also accept in-kind donations of STEM-related
equipment - especially computers. And, of course, we
accept monetary donations on our website, by mail or
by phone - cash, check, charge, stocks, real estate, etc.
1
Mission & Areas Served
Statements
Mission Statement
Science Pioneers creates innovative and supportive education activities that inspire and engage Kansas City
area youth to use science and critical thinking skills in their everyday lives and future careers. Science Pioneers
(SP) works to inspire and encourage young people to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering and
math) studies to meet the demands of global competition and acquire the skills needed for 21st century careers.
Background Statement
Since 1956, Science Pioneers (SP) has played an important role in supporting science education in Kansas
City. This unique organization was founded by Dr. Charles N. Kimball, then president of Midwest Research
Institute. He and other leading scientists and educators were dedicated to supporting youth who were interested
in the study of science. The formation of Science Pioneers supplemented classroom teaching and gave
students exciting opportunities to deepen and demonstrate their scientific knowledge. SP utilizes the resources
of the corporate and academic communities to offer students and teachers experiences with real world
scientists and engineers. Science Pioneers continues to host the area’s annual Science & Engineering Fair and
provides education programs to an ever-expanding metropolitan region, responding to changes in society and
the educational needs of students and teachers. Science Pioneers also serves as a clearinghouse for other
science education programs, collaborating with and supporting the efforts of schools and other nonprofits
throughout the area in order to further bolster science education in our community. Over the years, SP has
expanded its programs to provide a unique range of STEM learning opportunities for students and teachers
alike and reaches an average of 15,000 people each year.
In addition, Science Pioneers maintains a website where teachers and students can locate information about
upcoming SP programs and register for these events. Website visitors can also find links to other science
education websites, lesson plans, student resources, grants for the classroom, and local science education
organizations. Science Pioneers is unique compared to similar organizations in other communities because it is
a stand-alone nonprofit, not dependent on a single university or school district. This allows it to be inclusive and
to respond to the needs of students and teachers throughout the region and on both sides of the KansasMissouri state line.
Impact Statement
Science Pioneers’ (SP) achievements in 2013-14 demonstrate our ability to connect students with STEM
learning opportunities across our area. The majority (87%) of the school districts in our seven-county area utilize
SP programs. On average, districts participate in at least half our six major programs. Last year, we know at
least 5,399 students and teachers attended our programs as participants.
• The Greater Kansas City Science & Engineering Fair (GKCSEF) had 1,309 students with 882 projects
•
•
•
collecting 105 academic awards and 150 special awards. In addition, the top 3 winners received an allexpense paid trip to the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF). In the past 5 years, GKCSEF
entrants have received 6 awards at ISEF in addition to meeting and interacting with like-minded peers from
around the world.
Saturday STEM Seminars reached an audience of 2,616 students and adults over eight seminars, the largest
audience since the program’s inception.
Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) reached 428 girls during a Friday evening conference where they engaged
in hand-on activities with female STEM professionals and heard a terrific keynote speech by a female STEM
CEO. In addition, 15 girls participated in two Saturday workshops of continued hands-on, STEM learning
experiences.
Science Pioneers offered 14 online courses for teachers, plus 12 face-to-face ScienceWise courses. Together
with contracts for professional development with schools and districts, Science Pioneers reached more than
1,000 teachers with proven curriculum and techniques for improving student learning and understanding.
Each month, our redesigned website has surpassed the previous year’s comparable month by an increase of
over 50%.
These efforts reflect Science Pioneers' capacity to meet the challenges of STEM education in our community
and the need to provide more opportunities to inspire the next generation to consider STEM career
opportunities.
2
Needs Statement
Our current needs include funding and/or pro bono resources to help accomplish the following crucial upgrades:
1.Appropriate technology/tools – all SP program evaluations are paper-based (8 programs), as are the Science
& Engineering Fair applications. In addition, we have separate databases for Fair information (Access) and
donor/participant information (Raisers Edge). We use Constant Contact for emails, Moodle for online courses
and Excel for tracking evaluation data and other miscellaneous information – ideally, one tool can be used to
solve this issue.
2.Integrated fundraising/marketing/communications plan – SP has no staff dedicated to any of these daily tasks
and no specific fundraising plan. In addition to identifying additional funding opportunities, a plan and staff to
implement it will help elevate our visibility and community awareness. Our funding mix is currently 36%
grants, 49% corporate giving, 9% registrations/fee for service and 6% from individuals; we have no
fundraising events.
3.Unrestricted grants or other funding to help add one part- or full-time staff to help with the increased work load
– staffing is currently about 3.5 FTE.
4.Assistance evaluating possible ways to celebrate our 60th Anniversary in 2016.
Board Chair Statement
I want everyone to know I am thrilled to be the new Executive Director for Science Pioneers (SP). I was hired
early in 2014 to replace the previous ED, who retired. SP is an amazing organization with a long, rich history
and an excellent array of programs and services. Our staff manages to get a tremendous amount of work
accomplished with minimal resources, which is a real source of pride. I keep hearing that Science Pioneers is
one of KC’s best kept secrets – well, I think it’s time that we stop being a secret and ensure people know about
our programs! We all know that there aren’t enough students in the pipeline to fill the growing demand for STEM
professionals but Science Pioneers is here to help!
In addition to continuing our regular programming, one of the first major tasks is be to update our strategic plan
this winter. The plan was last updated in 2011. We will host focus groups and conduct online surveys with all
our stakeholder groups to identify strengths as well as gaps in programming across the community; included will
be representatives from industry, education, philanthropy, parents, students and peer STEM nonprofit
organizations. We believe true collaboration with and among all interested parties is the only way to address the
pressing need for more and more STEM graduates. As the planning process unfolds, we will evaluate the need
for changes to current programming or potential new program offerings to meet the needs of our communities.
Research shows our area will need 80,000-100,000 more STEM professionals by 2018—Science Pioneers is
well poised to help grow the pipeline of students who are engaged critical thinkers and problem solvers!
To aid our efforts in building students’ interest in STEM studies as well as their teacher’s ability to provide high
quality STEM teaching, Science Pioneers needs an expanded revenue base from corporations, foundations and
individuals. While economic conditions are always in flux, what Science Pioneers does cannot be
neglected. The long-term health and viability of our community is at stake. Students need our help today, for
they are our future life sciences, engineering and technology workforce—our efforts must be collaborative,
constant and growing.
Service Categories
Student Services
Management & Technical Assistance
Elementary & Secondary Schools
Areas of Service
Areas Served
3
Areas
MO - Jackson County
MO - Clay County
MO - Platte County
KS - Wyandotte County
KS - Johnson County
MO - Jackson County Urban Core
KS - Wyandotte County Urban Core
KS - Leavenworth County
KS - Lawrence
4
Programs
Programs
Greater Kansas City Science & Engineering Fair
Description
Students in grades 4-12 enter a project as an experimental, engineering,
computer science, mathematics or invention in this annual Fair, which
we’ve hosted since 1952. Experimental projects may be in behavioral and
social science, botany and zoology, health and medicine, molecular
biology, physical science—force and motion, physical science—matter
and energy, earth & space science, chemistry, or environmental science &
sustainable energy categories. Students from more than 20 school
districts, plus parochial, charter and home schools, enter as individuals or
as teams of 2-3 students and are eligible for academic awards based on
stated criteria. Nearly 50 community and national organizations sponsor
Special Awards to recognize the quality of student efforts. The top 3
winners in the senior division, our Pioneers in Science, receive an allexpense paid trip to the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair
(ISEF). In the past 5 years, GKCSEF entrants have received 6 awards at
ISEF in addition to meeting and interacting with like-minded peers from
around the world.
Category
Education, General/Other Elementary & Secondary Education
Population Served
K-12 (5-19 years), ,
Short-Term Success
Having students understand scientific methodology or engineering design
processes and demonstrate this understanding in their design and
execution of their science fair projects is the short-term definition of
success. Judges evaluate each project against a scoring guide, which
assesses student understanding and success. These judges' evaluations,
determined that 88% of the projects merited silver or gold ribbons, which
indicates that their research, experimental design and execution show a
high degree of accomplishment. 84% of the students rated science fair
projects as a better way of learning science than other ways of studying
science.
Long- Term Success
Adults who have participated in the Science Fair as students report that
they are life-long science learners, that what they learned in doing their
projects has influenced their problem-solving skills and that as a result,
they are better critical thinkers. Many of them actually pursue a career in
science, technology or engineering. A recent National Science Foundation
funded study concluded that undergraduate research was the major factor
in pursuing research as a career. The authors further recommended that
involving students in research needs to begin in the elementary school
and continue through high school. According to Bayer's Facts of Science
Education 2010, 60% of career scientists and engineers report that they
developed their interest in science before age 11. The Greater Kansas
City Science and Engineering Fair begins its work with students at age 9
and continues its influence with students up through age 18.
5
Program Success Monitored By
Each August, staff updates the Science Pioneers website with the latest
Science Fair rules, forms, FAQ's and highlights changes for the Science
Fair the following March. These forms set the standards for students to
follow. Staff is available to answer questions via e-mail or telephone to aid
students in developing quality projects. Science Pioneers holds teacher
workshops to help them teach research techniques and motivate their
students. Meet the Science Mentor Day, held each November, offers
students the opportunity to obtain advice and longer term assistance in
developing their project. The Scientific Review Committee reviews all
changes in International rules to be certain that our Fair is in compliance.
Following the submission deadline, a volunteer committee of experienced
judges reviews all projects to be certain they qualify and are placed in the
most suitable of the 12 categories of the Fair. Student evaluations monitor
their learning experience against short-term outcomes.
Examples of Program Success
1,309 students entered 976 projects in the 2012 Fair. On written
evaluations of the Fair, 49% of the students said they were considering a
career in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. Annually,
Science Pioneers sends the three Grand Award winners to the Intel
International Science and Engineering Fair. One of the three Grand Award
winners won awards at the International Fair. In the last three years, five
out of eight of our Fair's Grand Award winners were also Grand Award
winners at the International Fair. More than 230 judges determined the
winners of the academic awards. Over 100 judges from 45+ organizations
offered special awards of cash, products, certificates and opportunities for
additional competition, scholarships and internships. One hundred ninetytwo students received academic and special awards at the 2013 Fair.
6
ScienceWise Professional Development for Teachers
Description
ScienceWise incorporates both onsite and online courses for teachers.
For 2014-15 it includes: a Kickoff event; 14 online and 11 onsite
ScienceWise courses; a Science & Engineering Fair Kickoff workshop;
and Teacher Resource Day. All aim to improve science teaching by
providing teachers with project-based learning tools and resources for use
by classroom teachers. For every 3 onsite courses or 1 online course
(12.5 contact hours), teachers can also enroll for 1 hour graduate credit
from UMKC or Baker University. Online courses permit teachers to work
at their own pace over a month's time. They can practice techniques in
between sessions, share successes and receive mentoring on difficulties.
Other courses are held in the evening or on weekends. ScienceWise
Teacher Resource Day allows master teachers to share outstanding
lessons with other teachers. Area science-related organizations also
present programming available to schools. Teachers attending receive a
CD with all the lesson plans that were demonstrated that day and contact
information on the organizations they encountered at the event.
Category
Education, General/Other Teacher & Faculty
Population Served
Adults, ,
Short-Term Success
After attending a ScienceWise course or event, if teachers return to their
classroom and use their new knowledge or techniques, then this is
success. These courses also offer teachers standards-based instructional
content through hands-on learning activities for their students. Teacher
Resource Day, held in February, presents demonstrations of successful
hands-on lessons, and offers visits with representatives from other
science education organizations. When teachers take science lessons
and inquiry techniques that they have experienced in ScienceWise
programs back into their classrooms, then those programs have been
successful in improving science teaching. On their evaluations, 98% of the
teachers say that they have incorporated lessons, or gained
knowledge from these courses and events. 98% state they have gained
new teaching techniques. 100% of teachers who have taken courses
previously reported that what they have learned has had a positive impact
on student learning.
Long- Term Success
The overall goal of ScienceWise is to improve the STEM content
knowledge and teaching effectiveness of instructors. All components of
this program seek to make science more exciting for students through
hands-on inquiry methods. Many elementary teachers are not comfortable
teaching science so they rely totally on textbook instruction or do not
teach science at all. With the Next Generation Science Standards, the
addition of engineering practices poses an additional area of challenge for
them. The success of this program lies in recruiting new participants and
keeping them over time so that their comfort with teaching science
improves and translates to better science learning for their students. To
refresh their pedagogical skills, and to update their science content
knowledge, middle and high school science specialists benefit from new
effective methods of instruction. Science Pioneers' ScienceWise
Professional Development succeeds by meeting these goals for area
teachers.
7
Program Success Monitored By
At the close of all programs, evaluations measure the likelihood of the
course impacting their teaching and their projected use of any specific
lesson materials. They ask past participants if they have incorporated any
lessons from past courses and events into their teaching and if the
teachers have witnessed any impact on successful student learning from
the knowledge and techniques they have garnered from ScienceWise
events.
Examples of Program Success
Almost without exception, teachers report that they have used lessons
and materials from past courses in their teaching. At the same frequency,
they affirm that the implementation of these lessons has had a positive
impact on student learning. A teacher from Visitation Catholic School
praises ScienceWise, "Classroom teachers who have endless
experiences and real insight into the teaching world brilliantly presented
every class and seminar that I attended. All experiments are exciting and
fun to do with other teachers and, of course, with students! The hands-on
activities are invaluable to me. I am able to take the activities/ideas
straight from the Science Pioneers seminars to the classroom." Another
teacher wrote “I wish we could make teachers attend [these courses]—so
much more relevant than the mandatory PD [professional development]
we currently attend." In the past 2 years, attendance at ScienceWise
programs has grown nearly 25%.
8
Saturday STEM Seminars
Description
These eight seminars, held from October through March, are
presentations by area scientists, engineers and technologists on current
and upcoming developments in STEM fields. Often called seminars on
"hot topics in KC science”, students learn about career options they could
pursue as well as the achievements of their hometown companies and
institutions. The program is geared for 8-12 grade students and their
teachers, who are seeking enrichment and extended knowledge in these
fields. These professionals from corporations and academia are available
for student interaction following their presentations.
Category
Education, General/Other Elementary & Secondary Education
Population Served
K-12 (5-19 years), Adults,
Short-Term Success
The program is successful if teachers send their students to the seminars
year after year. If students gain an appreciation of the achievements of
Kansas City area scientists, techologists, engineers, those same
professionals become role models. The program strives for repeat
attenders to maximize the students' exposure to different avenues of
scientific study and, thereby, more ways to interest students in these
careers. From seminar evaluations, the following short-term data were
collected:
95% of the students gained new knowledge from the speakers.
63% of the students were interested in learning more about the speakers’
topic.
14% had attended four or more seminars; 89% had attended two or more.
Long- Term Success
Saturday Science Seminars seeks to inspire students with the progress
that companies and institutions of higher learning are making in science
research and development in areas of national and international interest.
As a result of attendance, students will be able to see themselves in one
or more of the careers represented by the scientists, engineers, and
technology experts who present these seminars. The students will decide
to follow these professionals and enter similar careers. The National
Association of Science Teachers stresses that exposure to career
professionals in the real world makes science come alive for students.
Program Success Monitored By
Various promotions are used to encourage participation. Since moving the
seminars to the Extreme Screen at Union Station in 2003, attendance has
averaged over 2,100 students annually. Since the Extreme Screen seats
440, the seminars are open to the public. The success of individual
presentations are defined by the observations of the program's
coordinator who gauges student attention and response, teacher
comments, and the presenter's sense of audience satisfaction. Twice a
year, students complete an evaluation, which asks if they have gained
knowledge, if they are interested in learning more about that topic, and if
the topics relate to what they are studying in school. Students are also
asked if they are attending multiple seminars and if any of those seminars
is causing them to think about following the career path of a particular
presenter. Annual statistics benchmark the number of school districts
which send students to the seminars.
9
Examples of Program Success
The fact that students actually get up early on a Saturday morning and
drive to Union Station speaks volumes to the success of this program.
Averaging more than 250 per seminar speaks to the confidence that area
teachers have in the program's quality. The most attended 12-13 seminar
drew 468, while total attendance was 2,330, only 68 fewer than the
highest year on record One teacher wrote an unsolicited email that
praised Saturday Science Seminars "In addition to offering what I consider
valid, extra credit opportunities for my science students, the seminars
provide the springboard to discuss a variety of topics in class this year. It
is always a good thing when students come to your class on Monday and
ask/talk with you about what they learned on a Saturday."
10
Meet the STEM Mentor
Description
Students pursuing projects for the GKC Science & Engineering Fair or
who want to learn more about research methods and engineering design
often require mentors. On this day, students can meet professionals
willing to provide help with project design and research. They can also
view projects created in the workplace by scientists and engineers. Those
displays encourage students, teachers and parents to interact with
presenters about their research, invention and design. Past student
winners of the Fair display their projects and explain their research as
examples of how excellent student projects are executed and displayed.
The half-day program offers workshops on brainstorming project ideas,
inventions and engineering, computer science projects, experimental
design, and science fair rules. Science Pioneers also provides a Mentor
Directory of corporate and academic volunteers who visit classrooms or
consult with individual students.
Category
Education, General/Other Elementary & Secondary Education
Population Served
K-12 (5-19 years), Adults,
Short-Term Success
Success of the program has these components: 1) Participants at "Meet
the Science Mentor Day" actually use the knowledge and advice they
gained to develop higher quality projects for their school and/or district
fairs and for the Greater Kansas City Science and Engineering Fair. 2)
Students develop contacts with mentors for ongoing consultation during
the subsequent planning and project execution. Students each visited with
an average of 3.8 mentors. 3) Program evaluations substantiate real
additional evidence of program success. 83% indicated that they plan to
enter the Greater Kansas City Science and Engineering Fair. 71% of the
students indicated that the professional research display increased their
interest in a possible career in science.85% felt that the student fair
projects helped them understand what is expected in a project. 70% of
the mentors reported offering ongoing consultation to one or more
students.
Long- Term Success
The success of this program is determined by how much students learn
about, appreciate and understand research skills, scientific methods and
engineering design. National studies have consistently shown that
students learn science best by "doing science." Hands-on research,
design or invention projects follow the real world models of how science is
done. Since 60% of scientists determine that career path by age 11 and
80% before leaving high school, inspiring students and teaching these
skills can steer them into STEM careers--science, technology, engineering
and mathematics. Feeding the STEM career pipeline is the long-term aim
of the program.
11
Program Success Monitored By
The format of the day includes several strategies to monitor success. The
day includes an extensive period where students can visit one-on-one with
mentors in their field of interest and receive specific advice. It is not
unusual for one student to explore ideas with up to five mentors. Science
Pioneers collects evaluations from students and mentors to monitor the
effectiveness of these sessions and visits. The staff also tracks if mentor
scientists and engineers return year after year, as proof that they believe
their advice is truly impacting the quality of student research. In 2014,
72% of the mentors had volunteered two years or more. Teachers are
another measure of success if they return year after year with their
students. If teachers and students observe company displays and report
that they see the connection between research and design methods in the
work world and science fair projects, this program is working.
Examples of Program Success
The 2014 Meet the STEM Mentor Day drew 119 students. Mentors report
fielding questions about specific content, experiment design, control of
variables, analysis of data, and use of technology. As a result, students
indicate that they intend to clarify a project idea, fine-tune a hypothesis,
control variables differently, or change their process of data
analysis. Students and parents report that they like the program because
they can access mentors with experience in the careers that interest the
students. In the words of one middle school student, "We can find our
mentor with people who have experience . . in the field we're interested
in." A parent praised the fact that "My son actually worked with a mentor
and it was the first time I have seen him passionately engaged in
something. . . . The mentor was able to guide him through the project. It
was great for my child."
12
Expanding Your Horizons (EYH)
Description
Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) immerses young women in 6th-8th
grades in hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering and
math. Professional women from these fields facilitate workshops and
serve as role models for the participants. The one-evening conference
features a keynote speaker, who is a woman scientist of national
prominence. While fostering an awareness of career opportunities, EYH
presents science in a way that is fun and relevant to daily life. This event,
held in conjunction with the Girl Scouts, annually draws between 400-500
girls. Expanding Your Horizons offers an added dimension with its
expansion program. EYH Conference attendees and their friends spend
two Saturdays in groups of 8 to 10 with one of the career mentors. In
three-hour sessions, they explore through hands-on activities that reveal
components of the mentor's actual work. The Expansion program is
designed for 40-50 participants.
Category
Education, General/Other Extracurricular Math & Science
Population Served
Children Only (5 - 14 years), ,
Short-Term Success
Short-term success is keeping these middle school girls interested in
science and math. As a result of this program, girls will continue to enroll
in science and math classes the next year and beyond. Over the years,
more than 80% of their evaluations have affirmed interest in taking more
science and math courses. The program seeks to inspire girls to become
like the role models in the program. Likewise, on the average 71% report
an increased interest in a science/STEM career as a result of EYH. Since
the percentage of respondents for these questions is equal to and above
70% positive, these indicators affirm the success of the year's program. In
2007, Science Pioneers created an expansion program which gives up to
40 conference participants an opportunity to work closely with a mentor in
their chosen field over a period of two Saturdays. Their desire to apply for
the EYH Expansion Program is another indication of the short-term
success of the EYH Conference.
Long- Term Success
The purpose of this program is to encourage young women to enter
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. The
program's long-term success lies in producing female scientists,
engineers, mathematicians and technologists. EYH becomes the spark
behind the dream to achieve a bachelor's and then advanced degrees in
these science-related fields.
Program Success Monitored By
From written student evaluations, Science Pioneers is able to determine
whether students report that, as a result of EYH, they are interested in
taking more science and math courses and if they are more interested in a
career in math and science. Also, students who will be in 7th and 8th
grade next year are asked if they want to return to EYH. At the 2013
Conference, 67% of the then 6th and 7th graders indicated a desire to
return the following year. If presenters also want to return the next year,
then that strengthens the measure of success. Having an exciting female
keynote speaker with regional or national prominence has proven to be a
key motivator to draw participants. For the Expansion Program, Science
Pioneers will track those girls annually through high school to determine
whether they have an interest in more science and math course work and
to determine their participation in subsequent Science Pioneers'
programming.
13
Examples of Program Success
For the last six years, between 400 and 440 girls have attended annually.
Of the 375 survey respondents at the 2013 conference, girls listed 45
different science careers they would be interested in pursuing. Parents
and students often comment on the value of hands-on activities and real
world applications of EYH. One parent offered "Normally the kids learn
from the teacher's experiments about how to do it and how to write it up.
With this program, you have people who do a certain thing for a living and
they can actually show them how science is done." As one workshop
presenter wrote, "Our belief is that if we are able to spark even one girl’s
interest in science . . ., then it is worth the time and effort.”
14
Exploring Your Potential
Description
Our newest program, Exploring Your Potential, gives urban core boys in
grades 6- 8 an opportunity to experience STEM (science, technology,
engineering and math) in the workplace with STEM professionals. Each
group of boys visits a different KC area business or institution on three
Saturdays by taking field trips to STEM workplaces – one each in life
sciences, engineering and technology. Each corporation provides a
minimum of four mentors who provide hands-on activities for the boys that
help demonstrate the work they do in their businesses. Since its inception
in the past year, over 120 boys have a new awareness of future
possibilities and have been inspired to pursue a variety of STEM careers.
Category
Education, General/Other Elementary & Secondary Education
Population Served
Children Only (5 - 14 years), ,
Short-Term Success
Short-term success is keeping these middle school boys interested in
science and math and considering careers they may not have without this
program. As a result of EYP, we hope these boys will enroll in science and
math classes at higher levels and higher rates as they progress in school.
The program seeks to inspire the students to know they can pursue roles
like the mentors working with them in the program. On the average in the
first year, 86% report interest in a STEM career as a result of EYP and
77% said they were interested in a career they encountered on the field
trips. In addition, 88% make the connection between the math and
science courses required to pursue a STEM career which helps
demonstrate its effectiveness in helping participants understand they need
to focus on this course work to attain one of these professions.
Long- Term Success
The purpose of this program is to encourage urban minority males to enter
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. The
program's long-term success lies in producing more minority male STEM
professionals. The only group with less representation than females in
STEM careers is minority males. EYP becomes the spark behind the
dream to achieve a bachelor's and even consider advanced degrees in
STEM-related fields.
Program Success Monitored By
EYP students are given a pre-survey before the first field trip and then a
post-survey after each experience to measure the value of each
experience as well as the overall value and effectiveness of the program.
Teachers are also surveyed and their most common response to EYP is
that their students enjoyed the opportunity and that they've witnessed
more engagement in school on behalf of the participants. In addition, the
participating company mentors are surveyed and all volunteers state that
they very much enjoyed participating in the program and that they would
do it again. A quote by an executive from one of the engineering firms
stated, “we enjoy providing this service because in many ways it is
providing all STEM employer’s with a larger pool of potential candidates
that provides a win-win situation for all of us.” It should also be noted that
100% of our corporate partner volunteers would want to be a part of EYP
at the next opportunity.The majority of the corporate partners have agreed
to hold multiple sessions in the future, which further validates the need
and desire for this program moving forward.
15
Examples of Program Success
The only measure of program success currently available is the survey
data and information from the teachers and ongoing participation of the
corporate partners. At present, no funding is available to track these boys
as they continue into high school and beyond to see whether they actually
pursue a STEM career.
CEO Comments
Science Pioneers programs utilize the scientific expertise of the corporate and academic communities for the
benefit of area students. More than 850 volunteers served as mentors, judges and presenters last year. As our
flagship program, The Greater KC Science & Engineering Fair is entering its 64th year and annually draws over
1,300 students. Science Pioneers has increased its emphasis on teacher professional development, because
good science teachers provide the keys to both science literacy and development of our future scientists,
technologists and engineers. ScienceWise Professional Development for Teachers includes a kickoff with a
hands-on workshop, a program of 24 courses for teachers and a Teacher Resource Day. Science Pioneers also
employs a School Services Coordinator to aid districts in analyzing their professional development needs and
developing programs to meet those needs. This staff member works to meet the challenge of keeping personnel
in school districts aware of the many opportunities for teachers and students that Science Pioneers offers. For
students in grades 8-12, parents and teachers, Saturday STEM Seminars showcases hot topics in Kansas City
STEM professions. Expanding Your Horizons for girls in grades 6-8 offers a one evening program of workshops,
a keynote speech by nationally known female scientist, a planetarium show and an opportunity to experience
Science City. On two Saturdays following the EYH evening in January, attendees and their friends can enroll in
the EYH Expansion program. Working in small groups of 8 to 10, the girls learn first-hand what their female
mentors do in their careers. New in 2013-14, Exploring Your Potential exposes urban core boys in grades 6-8 to
the work of STEM professionals as they visit three companies--one in life science, one in engineering and one
in technology. These programs will provide evidence of the effectiveness of our exemplary hands-on, inquirybased approach. Tracking long-term results remains elusive, although hundreds of anecdotal stories prove the
positive impact of Science Pioneers’ programming. There remains little doubt that with an estimated 50% of
scientists and engineers nearing retirement, Science Pioneers’ mission is more important than ever before.
16
Leadership & Staff
Executive Director/CEO
Executive Director
141Ms. LeAnn Smith
Term Start
Jan 2014
Email
lsmith@sciencepioneers.org
Experience
LeAnn Smith is Executive Director of Science Pioneers in Kansas City, an organization that works to inspire
scientific curiosity and critical thinking in young people. LeAnn brings nearly 25 years’ experience in a variety of
roles with nonprofit organizations. She has led organizations as Executive Director and Board Chair, was a
Principal with CommonWealth Consulting and has volunteered with dozens of organizations over the years.
Most recently, Ms. Smith was Executive Director for Medical Missions Foundation and prior to that COO for
Smiles Change Lives. LeAnn is a highly experienced collaborator with proven success in aligning strategic
community and business initiatives to drive change and strengthen the organization and its brand. A
business/finance graduate from Kansas State University, LeAnn resides with her husband in Parkville, MO.
Former CEOs
Name
Term
Ms. Mary Brock
Nov 2004 - Apr 2014
Ms. Laura K. Dickinson
Jan 2002 - Nov 2004
Senior Staff
Ms. Shea O'Riley
Title
Operations Manager
Experience/Biography
Shea O'Riley is a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University with a
degree in business. She maintains the Science Pioneers website; handles
registration, correspondence, and promotional e-mails; maintains donor
records, and assists with all phases of operations. She also serves as
coordinator for the EYH Expansion Program
Ms. Pamela Stepp
Title
School Services Coordinator
Experience/Biography
Pam Stepp is a retired elementary principal from the Lee's Summit School
District. She served in that position for 10 years. She also served as the
facilitator of the elementary gifted department for 12 years. In that
capacity, she developed and facilitated science units. She holds a degree
as an Education Specialist in Administration and holds Missouri
certification in Administration K-8, Gifted Education K-12, Special
Education K-9 and Elementary Education K-8.
17
Ms. Patricia A. Dailey
Title
Program Director
Experience/Biography
After serving two years as Assistant Program Director, Patty Dailey
assume the position on July 1. Prior to July 2010, Patty was the 7th
Grade Science Teacher at Antioch Middle School, North Kansas City
School District. For two years 2008-10, she served as a STARR teacher
for the Kansas City Regional Professional Development Center. She
taught 5th for 9 years and 4th grade for 18 years at Clardy Elementary,
North Kansas City Dsitrict. Her total science teaching careers spans more
than 30 years. She holds a Masters of Arts in Teaching. Patty has
extensive experience as a presenter of professional development
workshops for teachers.
Staff
Paid Full-Time Staff
4
Paid Part- Time Staff
2
Volunteers
850
Retention Rate
75%
Paid Contractors
0
Formal Evaluations
CEO Formal Evaluation
Yes
CEO/Executive Formal Evaluation Frequency
Annually
Senior Management Formal Evaluation
Yes
Senior Management Formal Evaluation Frequency
Annually
NonManagement Formal Evaluation
Yes
Non Management Formal Evaluation Frequency
Annually
Plans & Policies
Organization Has a Fundraising Plan
Yes
Organization Has a Strategic Plan
Yes
Management Succession Plan
Yes
Organization Policy and Procedures
Yes
Nondiscrimination Policy
Yes
Whistleblower Policy
Yes
Document Destruction Policy
Yes
Collaborations
• Science City at Union Station
• KC STEM Alliance, currently developing a free-standing website for matching STEM professionals with needs
18
•
•
•
•
•
of the KC region's teachers and students
Member of KCEEN (Kansas City Environmental Education Network)
Missouri After School Network
Kansas Enrichment Network
sSTEAM Village
KC digiStory
Affiliations
Affiliation
Year
Association of Fundraising Professionals - Member
2013
Nonprofit Connect of Greater Kansas City
2013
Awards
Awards
Award/Recognition
Organization
Year
Mid-America Educational Hall of
Fame
Endowment Association of Kansas 2007
City Kansas Community College
Government Licenses
Is your organization licensed by the government?
No
CEO Comments
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education is at the forefront of national and
regional agendas—anyone and everyone wants more STEM programs and opportunities to explore. One new
opportunity for area students is our Youth Advisory Board. We now have 16 students from age 12-22 working
with us to help determine program and communications options and priorities—what do students want and how
can we utilize today’s technology to get it into their hands efficiently and effectively?
If America is to regain its global competitive edge, if Kansas City is to attract the thousands of new STEM
professionals that it needs, then we need to attract many more young people into those professions. The
programs offered by Science Pioneers must continue to demonstrate their ability to inspire and engage students
and empower teachers to provide an environment that helps steer young people into STEM
professions. Science Pioneers board and staff look forward to working with community stakeholders during our
strategic planning process and identifying the strengths, gaps and opportunities for local STEM programming.
19
Board & Governance
Board Chair
Board Chair
Ms. Dorene Shipley
Company Affiliation
Carondelet Health Foundation
Term
July 2014 to June 2015
Email
dorene.shipley@carondelet.com
Board Members
Name
Affiliation
Ms. Lydia Alvarez
Alvarez Communications
Mrs. Ollie Bogdon Ph.D.
University of St. Mary
Ms. Lisa Browar
Linda Hall Library
Ms. Sara Coash
Hallmark Cards
Mr. Mark English J.D.
Retired, Kansas City Power & Light
Mr. Tom O'Grady
HNTB
Mr. Ken Peterson Ph.D
University of KS Medical Center
Mr. Todd Pitman CPA
TMPitman & Associates, LLC
Mr. John K. Prutsman
LEAP
Mr. Tom Sack Ph.D.
MRIGlobal
Ms. Dorene Shipley
Carondelet Health Foundations
Mr. Michael Tritt
Union Station
Mr. Marcus Walker
J.E. Dunn
Board Demographics - Ethnicity
African American/Black
1
Asian American/Pacific Islander
0
Caucasian
11
Hispanic/Latino
1
Native American/American Indian
0
Other
0
Board Demographics - Gender
Male
8
Female
5
Unspecified
0
Governance
Board Term Lengths
3
20
Board Term Limits
3
Board Meeting Attendance %
72%
Written Board Selection Criteria?
Yes
Written Conflict of Interest Policy?
Yes
Percentage Making Monetary Contributions
100%
Percentage Making In-Kind Contributions
100%
Constituency Includes Client Representation
Yes
Number of Full Board Meetings Annually
6
Standing Committees
Board Development / Board Orientation
Development / Fund Development / Fund Raising / Grant Writing / Major Gifts
Executive
Finance
Program / Program Planning
Marketing
CEO Comments
We have no additional comments at this time.
21
Financials
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year Start
July 01, 2014
Fiscal Year End
June 30, 2015
Projected Revenue
$430,500.00
Projected Expenses
$420,416.00
Endowment Value
$0.00
Spending Policy
N/A
Percentage
0%
Detailed Financials
Revenue and Expenses
Fiscal Year
Total Revenue
Total Expenses
Revenue Sources
Fiscal Year
Foundation and Corporation
Contributions
Government Contributions
Federal
State
Local
Unspecified
Individual Contributions
Indirect Public Support
Earned Revenue
Investment Income, Net of Losses
Membership Dues
Special Events
Revenue In-Kind
Other
2014
$416,372
$416,345
2013
$373,564
$361,859
2012
$340,396
$355,038
2014
$312,385
2013
$287,530
2012
$243,765
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$45,157
$58,830
$0
$0
$0
$416,372
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$86,034
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$50,791
$0
$44,444
$1,396
$0
$0
$0
$0
22
Expense Allocation
Fiscal Year
Program Expense
Administration Expense
Fundraising Expense
Payments to Affiliates
Total Revenue/Total Expenses
Program Expense/Total Expenses
Fundraising Expense/Contributed
Revenue
2014
$249,494
$118,599
$48,252
$0
1.00
60%
15%
2013
$221,523
$99,661
$40,675
$0
1.03
61%
14%
2012
$221,136
$105,221
$26,681
$0
0.96
62%
9%
2014
$587,802
$555,783
$0
$4,997
$582,805
2013
$584,963
$168,859
$0
$2,185
$582,778
2012
$586,246
$560,086
$0
$15,173
$571,073
2014
111.22
2013
77.28
2012
36.91
Long Term Solvency
Fiscal Year
Long-Term Liabilities/Total Assets
2014
0%
2013
0%
2012
0%
Top Funding Sources
Fiscal Year
Top Funding Source & Dollar Amount
Second Highest Funding Source & Dollar
Amount
Third Highest Funding Source & Dollar
Amount
2014
MRI Global $45,000
Hall Family
Foundation $25,000
Individual Donor
$15,000
2013
MRI Global $45,000
CPS Foundation
$20,000
Shumaker Family
Foundation $20,000
2012
MRI Global $45,000
Shumaker Family
Foundation $23,385
Individual donor
$16,000
Assets and Liabilities
Fiscal Year
Total Assets
Current Assets
Long-Term Liabilities
Current Liabilities
Total Net Assets
Short Term Solvency
Fiscal Year
Current Ratio: Current Assets/Current
Liabilities
Capital Campaign
Currently in a Capital Campaign?
No
Goal
$0.00
Amount Raised to Date
0 as of 0
Capital Campaign Anticipated in Next 5 Years?
No
Organization Comments
The most recent fiscal year ended on June 30, 2014. Audited figures for the year reflect income of $416,372.
The revenue growth over FY 2012 is largely attributable to the growth of investment return in the Science
Pioneers Fund at the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation. Total expenses for 2013/14 were
$416,345. Together with the staff, board members are aggressively marketing the Science Pioneers' brand and
programs as relevant, innovative and rigorous. Science Pioneers is focused on growing its resources to
advance STEM education for youth from across our community.
Foundation Comments
• FYE 6/30/2014, 2013, 2012: Financial data reported using the organization's audited financial statements.
• Foundations/corporate revenue line item may include contributions from individuals.
23
Created 10.01.2016.
Copyright © 2016 Greater Kansas City Community Foundation
24