Letters to a Pre-Scientist

There’s something special about a physical letter. Writing it, sending it, waiting for it to arrive, and taking the time to really read it. The analog way of connecting slows us down and makes the connection last. ✉️

I got my penpal assignment from @LettersPreSci !! Year 3, here we go!

I dedicate this #10kinSTEM run to @LettersPreSci, an organization that “facilitates 1:1 connections to humanize STEM professionals, demystify STEM career pathways, & inspire students to explore a future in STEM.” Click below to learn about their work! prescientist.org

Guess what!? I got #matched! Another year of letter writing in the @LettersPreSci program commences! Let’s see what curious questions and new ideas my penpal and I will share! #TogetherLPSConnects #STEMforAll #STEMPenPals

One LPS teacher shared that her students are learning about molecules. 🧪 This understanding will give pre-scientists the foundation needed to connect what they learn in class to what their STEM Pen Pals share in their letters and do at their jobs. #STEMforAll #LPSteachers #LPS

This pre-scientist mentioned their pets, and their pen pal replied with a photo of their cats! 😻 Small connections spark big joy. #STEMPenPals #STEMforAll

Today Program Manager Christine hosted a Meet & Greet with some of our teachers & Pen Pals.   In this group we had a Microbiologist, an Astrophysicist, an Accountant, a Chemical engineer,  a Professor a couple other cool STEM professionals.  #STEMPenPals #STEMforAll  #Community

Before pre-scientists are paired with their STEM Pen Pals, they go through our STEM Topic Sort Lesson 🧩. This lesson helps students explore different STEM fields & identify their top interests, which guides us in finding their right pen pal match, #STEMPenPals  #LPSteachers

Some of our pre-scientists have already begun writing their first letter. These letters mark the beginning of a year-long connection rooted in curiosity, encouragement, and exploration. We can’t wait for the mailbox moments to begin! #STEMPenPals #STEMforAll #FutureInTheMaking

Earlier this week we gave you a peek inside Pen Pal Reveal Day in an LPS Classroom📬 but what about the other side of the mailbox? 👀 Swipe through to see some of the behind-the-scenes joy from STEM Pen Pals who are ready to inspire the next generation. 🌟  #TogetherLPSConnects

Pen Pal Reveal Day looks a little different in every classroom ✨ This week, one of our teachers added a twist. After receiving their Match Cards, students went up one by one to share what they had learned about their STEM Pen Pal with the class.  #STEMforAll

CEO Lucy recently met for a walk with Pen Pal Sree outside of DC. They chatted about the synergy created when nonprofits like LPS partner with STEM companies and discussed the many ways partnerships allow us to advance #STEMforAll together.  #PenPalsInRealLife #STEMforall

🎉 If you read our latest newsletter, you know the LPS team has officially started matching Pre-Scientists with their STEM Pen Pals.  This week, Veteran LPS Teacher Sarah Malec facilitated her class’s Pen Pal Reveal Day! #STEMPenPals #STEMforAll  #MiddleSchoolMagic

We recently brought in a third-party evaluator to assess the impact of our STEM Pen Pal program and the results were even better than we imagined! Despite all the unique ways pen pals chose to write the biggest driver of student satisfaction was CONSISTENCY.  #STEMforAll

Last Thursday, Program Manager Christine, and STEM Pen Pal Adam, took part in a live science storytelling show through @storycollider showing just how personal and powerful science communication can be. 😍 #lpsinthewild #stemforall #stempenpals #scienceoutreach

🤝 500+ people are powering the pen pal program behind the scenes. Our founding CEO Lucy attended a retreat where she dreamed big about how the #StampSquad can build a resilient, sustainable future for the pen pal program. #ObsessedWithMonthlyGiving prescientist.org/stamp-squad/

📚✉️ Alongside every STEM Pen Pal and Pre-Scientist connection, we offer thoughtfully curated training and a pick & choose curriculum for teachers — all designed to spark curiosity, improve writing skills, and help students see themselves in STEM.  #STEMIdentity  #FutureLeaders

🧑🏽‍🏫✨ We just wrapped our beginning-of-year Community Meetings with LPS teachers and the energy was inspiring. LPS 2025–2026 is officially underway — and we can’t wait to see what this year holds. 🚀 #STEMforAll #LPSCommunity #LettersToAPreScientist #STEMEducation #SciComm

With just a few handwritten notes a year, you can help a middle schooler see themselves in STEM and remind them that they belong. This is the final week to sign up as a STEM Pen Pal for the 2025–26 school year. Come write with us. ✨ #STEMforALL  prescientist.org/volunteers/

📬 STEM Pen Pals don’t just write letters — they spark connection and build belonging. ✨ Registration is still open. Be the reason a student smiles this school year. #STEMforAll #STEMPenPals #LettersToAPreScientist #SciComm #ScienceOutreach