STELLAR DREAMS
Our mission is simple:
100 telescopes for 100 families across the USA.
Stellar Dream Program Offerings
With a concerning decrease in students pursuing degrees in physics, astronomy, and astrophysics over the last decade, it's clear there's a disparity that needs addressing.
The Stellar Dreams Program seeks to improve this staggering disparity by fueling 100 dreams that illuminate a lifetime of discovery.
Personal Telescope Ownership
Each student participating in our program receives their own personal name brand telescope.
Become a Junior Astronomer
Students receive basic training in telescope ownership, operation, and astronomy.
Connect with our Science Community
Offering both in-person and virtual opportunities such as workshops, talks, demonstrations, and Q&A sessions, we connect our students with our wide network of scientists.
Citizen Science Opportunities
We provide opportunities for students to not only learn science, do science, but also share the science that they do with the world. We provide our students the opportunity to join citizen science projects, which may include research trips and data collection activities. We also support them with resources that allow them to explore their interests in astronomy and astrophysics.
Engage with the Local Community
We build bridges with local scientific organizations to ensure that students have access to opportunities and a network to continue engaging in their scientific journey.
A Diversity of Young Scientists
An alarming fact: according to the most recent US census, Black people make up just over 13% of the United States population, but only 1% of the field of astronomy & astrophysics. These disparities persist across the board for many minorities. We ensure that our program activities
In the News
The groundbreaking nature of our program has attracted attention from various media outlets. Here are some recent highlights:
Meet our Program Leads
The Stellar Dreams Program is led by a talented duo, both dedicated in their own right to advancing STEM equity and access.
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Executive DirectorDr. Baxter is a multi-award winning and interntionally acclaimed molecular biologist and science communicator.
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Director of ProgramsDr. Gamble is a 3x graduate in Astrophysics of North Carolina A&T. As a theoretical astrophysicist at NASA Goddard, Dr. Gamble is a trailblazer in developing and implementing impactful and innovative STEM outreach programs.
Interesting in partnering with us at The Science Haven? Send an email to outreach@thesciencehaven.org.
All applicants will receive a guide on local and national opportunities to participate in astronomy-related initiatives.
Questions and Answers
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The Science Haven is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to democratizing science, fostering curiosity, and bridging the gap between complex scientific concepts and the public— making science accessible, engaging, and meaningful for all.
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The "Stellar Dreams" initiative aims to close the equity gap in sciencem particularly astronomy, by giving 100 telescopes, astronomy education, and citizen science opportunities to students in grades 5-12, who come from underrepresented backgrounds in science and astronomy.
By doing this, we hope to create opportunities for to explore the cosmos and ignite their passion for astronomy and scientific inquiry as a whole.
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All students in grades 5-12 in the metropolitan areas of Buffalo, New York; Los Angeles, California; and Buffalo, New York are invited to apply to participate in the Stellar Dreams program.
Our programming aims to eliminate the staggering equity disparity between the Black population percentage (13%) and their presence in the field (1%).
Applicants should wholeheartedly believe in the mission of our program and be able to promote the cause of our mission.The names of some of these reports and surveys where you can find relevant recommendations below:
1) The Astro2020 Decadal Survey
2) NASA’s Strategic Plan for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility
3) NASA’s Strategy for STEM Engagement, the NASA Science Mission Directorate Bridge Program
4) White House Office of Science & Technology Policy’s Interagency Roadmap to Support Space-Related STEM Education and Workforce
There is an immediate need to devote talent, time, and resources into developing the next generation of the STEM workforce in space-related fields.
The Stellar Dreams initiative is all about leveling the playing field in science, which is the core of what equity is. Just like the human body needs many different nutrients to be healthy, astronomy as a field, is deficient in young minds from underrepresented communities. Nurturing young minds from the communities that astronomy is deficient in helps our goals, and our nation's.
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While our priority is to provide new telescopes, we are open to considering lightly used ones. However, they must be beginner-friendly and in good working condition. Please contact us directly if you have a telescope you'd like to donate.
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Donations are used to purchase telescopes, as well as to support educational programs designed to foster scientific curiosity and knowledge, in relation to the use of the telescope.
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If your question wasn't answered here, please feel free to email info@thesciencehaven.org, or reach out to us via our 'Contact' page. We're always happy to help!
Words from our Donors
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The only thing more magical than looking through a telescope is helping someone else to experience it!
Connor Hay
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Looking at the stars is the next best thing to actual magic. May these children be inspired to reach for the stars.
Heather Miller
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So happy to contribute to this worthy cause! As a science advocate and the spouse of an astrophysicist, I know how exposure to cool science leads to understanding, sparking passion and more people in the science field from many communities.
Alda
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Talent is equally distributed; Opportunity is not. So glad this initiative can help change that for the better. Humanity is at its best when we nurture all talent to the fullest potential.
Katherine Moussouris
Program Sponsors
WE ARE PROUD TO PRESENT OUR GROWING LIST OF SUPPORTERS FOR OUR 2024 STELLAR DREAMS PROGRAM
Become a Partner
The Science Haven is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Are you or your organization looking to make an investment into the future of science?
Email us at outreach@thesciencehaven.org to share how you’d like to help us make young students’ stellar dreams come true.
"We're not just giving telescopes, we're gifting universes of possibilities.
Our mission is to ensure every person can dream big, reach for the stars, and be part of the cosmic conversation."
- Dr. Raven Baxter
Executive Director, The Science Haven
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