At the intersection of STEM and community is the Aspen Science Center (ASC) team, ready to cultivate lifelong learners through invigorating scientific programming.

Founded in 2005 by local science enthusiasts, including the late philanthropist George Stranahan who spearheaded the initiative, ASC was created to increase public access to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education. Situated in a storage unit in Aspen, ASC was likened to a traveling science center. Educators would gather their materials from the unit and host mini lessons at nearby organizations. While valuable, ASC’s reach was limited and demand was growing. Then, in 2019, a monumental change happened when ASC relocated to Carbondale’s Third Street Center.

“It gave us the opportunity to access a wider geographic range,” said Alex Tarika, ASC education manager. “We’re doing programs in Aspen, and now all the way west to Parachute. This centralized location has been huge.”

The physical location, aptly named the Aspen Science Discovery Center, provides stability and is an appealing gathering place for learners — particularly during ASC’s robust summer programming. This summer, ASC has dozens of camps for children, ages 3 to 14, including 12 at the Discovery Center itself. Covering various topics — such as early STEM for preschoolers, robotics, physics, geology and crime scene science — the camps bring students into the collaborative space to engage their curious minds.

“You develop so much critical thinking from STEM, and creativity and collaboration and teamwork,” said Tarika. “Scientists don’t work alone, they work with each other. As a science teacher, I loved working with the kids in their lab groups. There is so much value.”

While camps are a week-long immersion for students, ASC has over 300 partnerships and donors, including the Town of Snowmass, Access Afterschool, Buddy Program and local libraries and schools, to promote year-round engagement and expand access across the socioeconomic spectrum. The celebrated library programs occur monthly from Aspen to Parachute and present an eclectic array of experiences, namely Spanish STEM and coding clubs. In 2024, ASC served over 4,200 youth learners.

“We have really leaned into our partnerships to bring STEM to local communities,” said Tarika. “The libraries are such an incredible resource. They do so much already and want to provide more; and they were so excited when we started coming once a month.”

To attract learners of all ages, ASC also offers adult programming. Currently, ASC is partnering with Aspen Film to present the “Science on Screen” series. Since January, audiences have enjoyed “Witches of Eastwick,” “The Pink Panther” and “Blades of Glory” followed by lively discussions exploring how science is woven into everyday life. The final event of the series is on May 7 at the Aspen Film Isis Theatre, featuring the film “The House of Tomorrow” with guest speaker Andrew Travers of the Aspen Institute.

This summer, ASC will present the “Science of Peak Performance” series, examining the science of aging. Planning is underway for this upcoming speaker series, so check back for details. 

“We can do a lot and we love partnerships … to make STEM come alive,” said Tarika. “These partnerships and programs happen because someone comes up to us to ask if we can help them.”

ASC educators are also eager to bring the wonders of STEM to life.

Lillian McIntyre has been an ASC educator for nearly two years. With a background in biological sciences and early childhood education, McIntyre focuses on an experiential approach to STEM education.

“We’re not sitting in the classroom doing a worksheet. It’s fun and hands-on,” said McIntyre. “Kids in school might think that [math and science] are too hard, or not fun, but it doesn’t have to be. There’s a way to learn it for everybody.”

McIntyre is part of a dynamic team that includes permanent, guest and paid intern educators. Tarika said that because science is so broad it is difficult for one person to be a polymath; instead the educators meld their strengths to meet the public’s interests. For example, she noticed the community’s draw toward coding and robotics, so enlisted Paul Gonzales, who has extensive experience in the field, to facilitate lessons for students and educators alike, thus creating a thriving academic environment for everyone.

“Our bosses often tell us that we get to be an expert in not knowing,” said McIntyre. “Part of the beauty is that we get to learn together.” Participants and educators explore the wonders of STEM together to enrich citizens for the betterment of humankind.

To register for one of Aspen Science Center’s summer programs – including Early STEM – or to learn more about the paid internship program for high school and college students, visit www.aspensciencecenter.org