FirstHandTM is a free STEM program of the University City Science Center that makes science exciting and relevant for Philadelphia students. The Experiencing STEM FirstHand project focuses on FirstHand’s 10-week offerings for middle school students. Students dive into hands-on projects, work alongside STEM professionals, and experience how science connects to their lives and the world around them. FirstHand sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and helps students imagine a future in STEM.
Program Logic Model
Our team uses a logic model to show how FirstHand’s resources and activities, like mentor training and hands-on STEM projects, lead to lasting impacts on students’ knowledge, confidence, and engagement with science.
What We’ve Learned
Our data indicate that FirstHand is delivering on its vision, consistently engaging students through hands-on learning, a dynamic curriculum, and strong connections with facilitators and mentors. The program sparks enthusiasm for STEM and builds valuable skills, while also providing meaningful benefits to schools, families, and industry partners, who report high satisfaction and support for its continued growth.
“I feel as though it’s a really refreshing environment to experience, even if you’re not interested in science, you’ll have some type of curiosity after you walk out of here, after every lesson, it makes you want to go to Youtube… It’s a good place to step outside of your comfort zone, but it’s a safe, sacred place kind of… where you can get away from school, it is kind of like school, but it’s not… ‘cause it’s not graded.” – Student from Year 1
“It sparked a fire in me to learn more about science, how to make bioplastic and fuse plastic … I could grow up and be a teacher and teach kids what I learn[ed] back in the Science Center and they will learn it just how I did it.” – Student from Year 2
“She talked about it a lot. And to be honest, [student name] doesn’t smile like that at home. I’ve never seen her smile so much. I’m like, ‘Wow, she’s like, totally different when she’s here because she seems 100% happy here. ’ She could be herself versus school, or her neighborhood. So this brings out the best in her.” – Caregiver at Year 2 final showcase
