About ISTI

The Illinois Science & Technology Institute (ISTI) is a STEM-focused nonprofit that provides programs and partnerships to connect companies with classrooms. ISTI supports schools and companies who want to impact the next generation of innovators, to build a stronger, more inclusive talent pipeline in Illinois. We are a bridge between the classroom and real world that facilitates collaboration between students and industry mentors.

 

 

 

Students

Mentors

Teachers

Projects

Our Programs

AbbVie
OPRF/Northrup Grumman
AbbVie
Downers Grove North/ISU

STEM Challenges

STEM Challenges are real-world projects that create opportunities for high school students to work alongside STEM professionals as mentors. Students and mentors from STEM Challenge industry partners collaborate over the course of six months to explore, create, and build innovative solutions.

Learn more about STEM Challenges

Mentor Matching Engine

Mentor Matching Engine is an online collaboration platform and relationship management tool that connects companies with classrooms – linking students with mentors anytime, anywhere.

Learn more about MME

Program Impact 2016-17

See how our programs impacted Illinois’ students last year.
Learn more

ISTI Partners

Horizon Therapeutics
Dell
AbbVie
Allstate
Archer Daniels Midland
Astellas
Baxter
Caterpillar
Cisco
CME Group
ComEd
Edelman
IBM
Lenovo Foundation
Microsoft
Molex
Motorola Solutions
Northrop Grumman
Randstad Technologies
Takeda
Uptake
Fermilab
Illinois Institute of Technology
Illinois State University
Loyola University
Northern Illinois University
Northwestern University
Southern Illinois University
University of Illinois
Back of the Yards College Preparatory High School
Bartlett High School
Buffalo Grove High School
Chicago School for Agricultural Sciences
Chicago Tech Academy
Chicago Vocational Career Academy
Corliss High School
Crane Medical Prep High School
Downers Grove North High School
Elk Grove High School
Evanston Township High School
Foreman College and Career Academy
Glenbard West High School
Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy
Highland Park High School
Illini Bluff High School
Infinity Math Science & Technology High School
Instituto Health Sciences Career Academy
Jones College Prep
Lake View High School
Lake Zurich High School
Lane Tech College Prep High School
Libertyville High School
Lindblom Math & Science Academy
Michele Clark Magnet High School
Muchin College Prep
North Chicago Community High School
Palatine High School
Perspectives Math & Science Academy
Plano High School
Richwoods High School
Sarah E. Goode STEM Academy
Solorio Academy
Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center
Vernon Hills High School
Washington Community High School
Wheeling High School
Whitney Young Magnet High School
Williamsfield High School
Being a STEM Challenge mentor gives me an opportunity to champion our future leaders. For me, the rewards of watching the students grow and interacting with these incredible young minds is well worth my small time commitment.

  Jenny, Mentor

Takeda Pharmaceuticals

ISTI in the News

Astellas Volunteers Mentor, Impart Career Advice to Potential Future Healthcare Leaders
Astellas – May 15, 2019

 

Students given ‘freedom to learn’ with State Farm mentors
The Pantagraph – May 21, 2017

 

Nonprofit Brings Student Ideas to Some of Country’s Largest Companies
NBC 5 News – April 27, 2017

 

1,200 Illinois High School Students Get Cracking on Real World Tech Problems
Chicago Inno, April 27, 2017

Illinois high schoolers tackling industry challenges through innovation
Fox32 Chicago – April 27, 2017

Growing a Passion for Science
AbbVie – Feb. 21, 2017