“Word gets out when people see your passion,” shares Kareen Wilkinson, the program coordinator of Arboretum Young Scientists (AYS) at the Arnold Arboretum. Hearing of her phenomenal work as a coach for Boston Public School science teachers, the Arnold Arboretum reached out to Kareen for her help soon after the first seed for AYS was planted a few years ago. Much like her career path as an educator, Kareen’s collaboration with the Arboretum on the AYS program felt natural. “It was a good fit,” Kareen shares, “I had experience leading and designing summer programs. There was no doubt about the passion and alignment we had.”
A labor of love for Kareen since its origins in 2022, Arboretum Young Scientists—the free, month-long learning experience for middle school students from Boston Public Schools—engages kids in hands-on life science and career exploration in the Arboretum’s supportive outdoor classroom. This coming summer, we hope to welcome between 24 and 26 students for this immersive exploration of nature.
When she created the AYS curriculum, Kareen was ever mindful of the goals to bring out the best in the students and to emphasize accessibility for all. Her curriculum edits continue to prioritize these goals. For example, to help accommodate a wide array of learning styles, Kareen is swapping several writing assignments for more visual projects like dioramas, posters, and skits to allow students to show what they have learned regardless of their learning style, English fluency, or reading level.
As a coach for educators, Kareen focuses on equipping teachers with the skills and confidence to help all students thrive. Before the program begins, AYS teachers complete thorough behavioral and neurodiversity training so they know how to best foster an inclusive classroom. AYS creates a sense of community and belonging for all students who are curious, interested in life science, and love nature. “AYS is for any student who wants to learn,” Kareen emphasizes.
Prior to the launch of AYS, the Arboretum’s offerings for children’s education primarily centered on single-day field trips for elementary school students. Multi-week programming for middle schoolers was new territory, but Kareen was eager to help make this dream come alive. “Middle school is such an important time for social and emotional growth,” Kareen explains. “Kids are questioning who they are, and studies show that many girls move away from STEM at this age. We need to add to their confidence—the confidence to stick with the hard things”
Throughout the program, Kareen feels pride watching the students’ knowledge and confidence grow. From journal entries that start incorporating new vocabulary to more active participation in lessons, AYS students show the value of hands-on learning with attentive teachers. “Those moments when I see the students sitting in a circle in the grass in the North Woods, hearing all the voices that are leading to new ideas, locked in on the lesson…I watch, really captivated,” Kareen reflects excitedly.
Although only in its fourth year, AYS has made a strong impact on program alumni, with many reporting returns to the Arboretum landscape for further exploration as a free and friendly place of learning. “Having met the staff, spoken to members of the public, explored the land, they feel connected to the Arboretum,” Kareen remarks. “It’s a place for anybody, any age, any time of year. Some AYS alums have even come back for Arboretum programming during February vacation, and the Caterpillar Lab in the autumn.” Kareen has also encountered AYS alumni at Boston science fairs, confidently presenting their experiments and demonstrating the communication skills they learn from their AYS final presentations.
While most of Kareen’s work in education is now behind-the-scenes as a coach for teachers, her motivation for teaching stems from a desire to directly inspire and encourage students. As a high school student, she was part of the tutoring club, devoted to helping her classmates grasp new concepts. Later as a biology major in college, she felt she was expected to go into a research career, but she was always more drawn to teaching. “I want students to know, whatever your passion, it’s okay for people to know, and to embrace it.”
AYS focuses on hiring staff who reflect the demographics of participating BPS students, 85% of whom are BIPOC. As a woman of color, Kareen found it invaluable to see people she related to working in the fields that interested her. “Kids of color must see representation of themselves in their field,” Kareen emphasizes, “Everyone needs encouragement along the way. I needed that—a reminder that I belonged.”
AYS is still a relatively new program, but with dedicated teachers like Kareen and enthusiastic alumni, word is spreading. “Currently, AYS students learn about career opportunities in science from staff,” Kareen points out, “but as AYS alumni get older, their success stories will also be inspiring students to follow their passions…and [demonstrate] that they belong in any career field.” Kareen takes pride in these success stories as well as the overall achievements of the program.
With each year, AYS’s impact expands, and it all began with the alignment of the Arboretum’s vision and Kareen’s inspiring talent as an educator. If you would also like to be part of this remarkable, collaborative program that supports and encourages a diverse generation of future scientists, please consider donating to AYS today by selecting it on the drop down menu of the Arboretum’s giving page.