Metro East Office K-12 Programs

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy has moved beyond the walls of its internationally recognized Aurora, IL, campus to expand science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs and services across Southern Illinois. IMSA’s Belleville office offers STEM enrichment programs for area students and professional development programs for educators.

Winter 2024 Saturday Programs

Digging Deeper (Dissections)

February 3, 2024 | 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM CST | Leu Civic Center, MASCOUTAH (MetroEast)

GRADES K – 2: Waste Not, Want Not
All living things produce waste. In this workshop, students will explore the unique characteristics of different types of animal waste while also considering why it is so important to eliminate waste products from the body. They will get their hands dirty by dissecting an owl pellet–a unique type of waste product that owls produce by regurgitating indigestible animal remains–to unravel the mystery of an owl’s diet. Participants are required to wear closed-toed shoes for this activity.

School Year: 2023-2024SessionLocationDatesTimeCostRegistrationScholarship Application*
Grades K-2 Waste Not, Want NotIn-person @ Leu Civic Center2/3/241:00 PM - 3:30 PM CST$35Register NowApply Now

*Applying and qualifying for a scholarship does not guarantee an award or registration into the program. To qualify for a scholarship, the student’s family is required to submit proof of financial eligibility: if you qualify for SNAP or Free/Reduced lunch, you qualify, but we need you to submit proof of eligibility. If you do not have a form in your possession or have difficulty getting it from your school or IDHS, you may submit a screenshot showing eligibility. Please contact us at studentenrichment@imsa.edu if you have difficulty with this requirement. Alternatively, a 2021 or 2022  federal tax return showing proof of family income may be submitted.

  • Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis, so it is to your benefit to submit all supplemental forms as soon as possible.
  • WATCH YOUR EMAIL and CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDER! Award recipients will be notified via email and must reply to the scholarship offers within the time period indicated in the email.
  • NOTE: You may choose to either pay for program registration OR apply for a scholarship and await award notification. Your scholarship application will not be considered if you also complete a paid registration.

No requests for a registration cancellation/refund will be accepted for all in-person Saturday STEM programming.


Summer Programming

Week-long, engaging, hands-on, STEM enrichment programs for students rising into grades 3-8. Information coming Spring 2024.

For these locations, we are offering two different types of scholarships:  Financial need-based and military affiliation. Click here to see program descriptions and registration/scholarship application links.

Youth Volunteers Needed

High school and college students are also needed to serve as volunteer group leaders. Contact Dawn Waller, MetroEast Field Office Coordinator, for more information at 618.791.3855 or dwaller@imsa.edu.