Project Syncere

💻 STEM isn't just about building things you can touch. Sometimes, it's about creating technology that changes how people interact with the world.

Luis von Ahn, a computer scientist from Guatemala, helped create CAPTCHA and reCAPTCHA and later co-founded Duolingo. His work combines computer science, problem-solving, and creativity to develop technology used by people around the world.

His story is a reminder that an interest in technology can grow into a career that reaches far beyond what you initially imagined.

🌎 What if your curiosity about the world could lead you to explore worlds beyond it?

Adriana Ocampo is a planetary geologist and NASA scientist whose fascination with space began when she was a child. Her career has included research on planetary missions and work that helped identify the Chicxulub impact crater in Mexico.

Her story shows that STEM isn't limited to the careers we hear about most often. Scientists and engineers use curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving to answer questions about our planet - and the universe beyond it.

✨ Staff Spotlight: Meet Jessica!

For more than 5 years, Jessica has been part of the Project SYNCERE team. After previously serving as a Program Manager, she now works as our Community & Engagement Manager, where she helps share our story, engage volunteers, build partnerships, and connect our community to opportunities to support our mission.

What she enjoys most about her work is seeing the excitement on students' faces when they discover something new or realize they can do something they didn't think they could. She also loves bringing people together - from students and volunteers to community members and corporate partners - to create meaningful opportunities.

Jessica is inspired by seeing students grow in confidence, creativity, and curiosity. She believes STEM education is about more than technical skills - it's about helping students solve problems, work together, create, and see themselves as people who can make an impact.

She holds a Master of Science in Biology and has experience in both STEM education and laboratory research, including working in the Education department at Argonne National Laboratory and in a laboratory focused on race car engine oil.

Thank you, Jessica, for all you do to connect people to our mission, share our story, and create opportunities for our students! 💙

🚀 This Hispanic Heritage Month, we're celebrating STEM trailblazers whose curiosity and determination helped shape the future.

Franklin Chang-Díaz is a physicist, engineer, and former NASA astronaut who flew seven space shuttle missions. His work in plasma physics also led to the development of new propulsion technology designed to advance space travel.

His journey is a powerful reminder that STEM careers can take you places you may have only dreamed of - and that persistence and preparation can help turn those dreams into reality.

📣 We're Hiring: STEM Instructors!

Do you have a passion for STEM and enjoy helping young people learn, create, and solve problems?

Project SYNCERE is looking for STEM Instructors to lead hands-on learning experiences that help students build skills, confidence, and an interest in STEM careers.

We're looking for individuals with experience in areas such as engineering, coding, robotics, CAD, electronics, or other STEM fields.

💡 Inspire students.
🔧 Lead hands-on learning.
🚀 Help students discover what's possible in STEM.

Interested in joining our team? Apply today at projectsyncere.org/jobs

Know someone who would be a great fit? Share this post with them!

The Project SYNCERE Board of Directors is proud to announce that Adrianne Wheeler Ball has been named Executive Director, effective September 1st.

Adrianne has served Project SYNCERE for 15 of its 18 years, most recently as Chief Operating Officer and Interim Executive Director. In each role, she strengthened our programs, operations, partnerships, and capacity to serve students across Chicago. Her leadership as Interim Executive Director made the Board's decision clear.

"Eighteen years in, our work is not finished. It's compounding," said Adrianne. "I'm stepping into this role focused on three things: deepening what we do well, building the infrastructure to sustain it, and widening the door for every student who has never been told that engineering was for them."

Please join us in congratulating Adrianne as Project SYNCERE enters its next chapter.

Read the full announcement:
https://projectsyncere.org/adrianne-wheeler-ball-named-executive-director-of-project-syncere/

🚀 This Hispanic Heritage Month, we're celebrating STEM trailblazers who have expanded what's possible.

Ellen Ochoa is an engineer, former astronaut, and the first Latina to travel into space. Throughout her career, she has helped advance space exploration while inspiring future generations to pursue STEM.

Her story is a reminder that there is no single path to a career in STEM - and that representation matters.

If you could invent anything, what would it be? 💡

A faster way to get somewhere? A robot that solves an everyday problem? A cleaner way to power our communities?

At Project SYNCERE, we're giving students opportunities to turn questions and ideas into hands-on STEM experiences.

So we'll ask again: What would you invent?

Tell us in the comments! 👇

💡 STEM starts with curiosity.

What happens when students are encouraged to ask questions, try something new, make mistakes, and try again?

They discover that they can be problem-solvers, creators, and innovators.

That's what we're working to create every day at Project SYNCERE - hands-on opportunities for students to explore STEM and discover what's possible.

Thank you, , for supporting Project SYNCERE’s E-CADEMY program, which provides Chicago-area students in grades 6 - 12 with hands-on engineering and technology education.

Through E-CADEMY, students explore areas like robotics, coding, CAD, electronics, and engineering design while building the skills and confidence to pursue future STEM pathways.

Learn about our impact: https://projectsyncere.org/project-syncere-receives-motorola-solutions-foundation-grant/