"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

Local STEM professionals are lighting a spark of interest for students in the Waukegan School District.

Professionals from local companies volunteer to speak with elementary students about the fields of STEM and present unique, engaging, and interactive learning experiences. Volunteers connect the school’s curriculum to the application of science, math, technology and engineering in the real world and educate students about the wide range of careers open to their future.

As students learn how STEM is connected to their education, daily life, and the potential for their future, their curiosity and interests grow.

“It was my pleasure to speak with the students. Later that evening, I was reflecting and telling my wife about the curiosity and insightful questions from the students. These experiences highlight the United Way message of how early intervention and influence could make a difference.”
- Yeshwant Sanzgiri, PhD, CMC Scientific Director, AbbVie.