Professional Pathways
Explore Your Future. Build Real Skills. Make an Impact.
What could your future career look like?
Professional Pathways is a multi-year STEM program for young people ages 8–18 who want to explore potential careers, build real-world skills, and support Discovery Space’s mission through servant leadership.
Through hands-on experiences, project-based learning, public outreach, mentorship, and service, participants grow from curious beginners into confident young leaders.
Choose a pathway. Build your skills. Find where your curiosity can take you.
Registration will open right after the Info Session:
Saturday, 9/12 at 12pm!
More Than a Class
Professional Pathways is designed around engagement, responsibility, and contribution.
Participants don’t just learn about STEM careers—they get opportunities to practice real skills and contribute to Discovery Space’s mission.
Depending on age and experience, participants may:
BUILD
Develop technical skills through hands-on education and projects.
CREATE
Design exhibits, educational activities, prototypes, and independent projects.
SHARE
Help lead outreach activities, STEM events, and public programs.
SERVE
Participate in volunteer and community service opportunities.
MENTOR
Older participants can help younger Ambassadors build their skills and confidence.
LEAD
Scholars can take on increasing responsibility through projects, mentoring, research, and public programming.
A STEM Pathway That Grows With You
Professional Pathways is designed to meet young people where they are and grow with them. Participants progress through three levels:
Junior Ambassadors
Ages 8–10
Start exploring!
Jr. Ambassadors are introduced to each STEM pathway through hands-on experiences while building foundational skills and practicing communication.
Senior Ambassadors
Ages 11–13
Dive deeper.
Sr. Ambassadors explore a specific pathway, take on interest-driven projects, and begin developing greater responsibility, leadership, and mentorship skills.
Scholars
Ages 14+
Take the lead.
Scholars build advanced technical skills through projects, research, outreach, exhibit support, mentorship, and volunteer experiences; with opportunities to prepare for college, careers and future leadership.
Choose Your Pathway
Professional Pathways currently offers opportunities to explore Marine Life and Technology & Design, with each track connecting hands-on STEM learning to real work at Discovery Space.
Marine Life
Dive into the world of aquariums, marine biology, and environmental stewardship.
Participants become part of the Marine Life Center team, learning how to care for animals, study aquatic systems, and share their knowledge with peers and the public.
Get hands-on experience with:
- Aquarium care and water testing
- Animal welfare, enrichment, and feeding
- Aquatic systems and marine biology
- Public outreach and science communication
- Marine science projects
- Field trips to Electric City Aquarium
As participants advance:
- Jr. Ambassadors explore tanks, learn basic animal care, and practice communication skills.
- Sr. Ambassadors deepen their knowledge of marine life through more advanced learning and projects.
- Scholars develop advanced skills in areas such as water chemistry, enrichment design, public programming, research, and mentorship.
Technology & Design
Explore the world of engineering, technology, prototyping, and design.
Participants become part of the makerspace team while learning how to design, prototype, build, and share projects with their peers and the public.
Get hands-on experience with:
- Technical drawing
- 3D design and prototyping
- Circuits
- 3D printing
- Laser engraving
- Graphic design
- Machine use and maintenance
- Public outreach and communication
As participants advance:
- Jr. Ambassadors learn the basics of technical drawing and 3D design while exploring circuitry.
- Sr. Ambassadors delve deeper into prototyping, graphic design, circuitry, and individual projects.
- Scholars develop advanced skills in areas such as 3D printing, graphic design, laser engraving, public programming, and leadership.
Build Skills. Earn Recognition.
Professional Pathways participants can earn badges and milestones representing the skills and experiences they build along the way.
Badges may recognize accomplishments in areas such as:
- Animal care
- Water chemistry
- Aquarium maintenance
- Outreach
- Mentorship
- Technical drawing
- 3D design
- Machine mastery
- Graphic design
- Prototyping
- Projects and service
Participants can also earn program certificates, community service documentation, and letters of recommendation for college or jobs.
Scholars may be eligible for potential paid seasonal internships.
Your Time at Professional Pathways
Professional Pathways is an engagement-based academic program. Consistent attendance and active participation are an important part of the experience.
Participants may also have opportunities for outreach events, field trips, volunteer hours, projects, mentorship, and the annual showcase.
Jr. Ambassadors • Ages 8–10
Approximately 2 hours/month in person + 30 minutes/month at home
Sr. Ambassadors • Ages 11–13
Approximately 3–4 hours/month in person + 1–2 hours/month at home
Scholars • Ages 14+
Approximately 4+ hours/month in person + 1–2 hours/month at home
Tuition & Financial Aid
Our goal is to make Professional Pathways and all of our Discovery Space programs accessible to families while keeping tuition clear and straightforward. Sliding scale tuition and financial assistance options are available to support participation for students at a range of household incomes.
Professional Pathways Tuition
| Level | Standard Tuition | Member Price (10% off) |
|---|---|---|
| Jr Ambassadors* (8-10) | $180/year | $162/year |
| Sr Ambassadors* (11-13) | $240/year | $216/year |
| Scholars* (14+) | $300/year | $270/year |
*Sliding scale tuition is available based on household income and family size.
*Sibling Discount – 20% off each additional child
Earn Tuition Through Service
Participants ages 14+ may volunteer for additional service hours by assisting with duties at Discovery Space and The Rivet, such as regular feedings and cleanings in the Marine Life Center, mentoring Jr. Ambassadors, assisting with Rivet maintenance and equipment care, and general workshop cleaning. Participants who complete 20 hours of community service with the organization within a program year will earn free tuition for the following year.
Refund Policy:
– Full refund if withdrawn within 2 weeks of program start.
– 50% refund up to 6 weeks, if space can be filled.
– No refund after 6 weeks unless for documented hardship.