RISE Teen Program

The RISE Teen Program at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago is a free STE(A)M career exploration program for high school students in grades 9 through 12. Teens explore both traditional and less traditional careers in science, technology, engineering, arts and math through hands-on projects and mentorship. There are two ways to take part. The structured pathway is a 12-week session built around projects that match each student's interests, with a focus on leadership. It also includes field trips, civic engagement and youth-led meetups around Chicago, and it can lead to internship opportunities. The drop-in pathway is more flexible: teens work alone or in small groups on hands-on and digital projects and get to know peers and adult mentors, with no long-term commitment. The Fall 2026 session runs from October 3, 2026 to January 9, 2027, meeting on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the museum. That session covers college and career pathways, teamwork, group projects, LEGO engineering challenges and panel discussions with STE(A)M professionals. Participants get free museum admission, free parking in the museum garage and discounts on special exhibits. They can also ask for documented volunteer hours.

Open to high school students in grades 9-12. Register through the museum's RISE page when a session is open.