IMSA Innovation Hub – Metro East
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 and Edwardsville offices offer STEM enrichment programs for area students and professional development programs for educators.
IMSA PROMISE PROGRAM RETURNS SPRING, 2027
IMSA’s PROMISE Program aims to address the challenges of culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse (CLED) students. PROMISE is a proven model of success for realizing the vision of a highly diverse and creative STEM workforce.
On February 28, 2026, we welcomed pre-registered Illinois 7th grade students who demonstrate strong academic achievement and a genuine interest in advancing their STEM knowledge and skills. During this orientation, students and parents learned about the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, our residential high school in Aurora, where students engage in hands-on research, real-world problem solving, and an inquiry-based STEM curriculum that extends well beyond traditional classroom learning.
Parents also participated in engaging, hands-on math and science activities alongside their students, gaining firsthand insight into the level of academic rigor, collaboration, and inquiry participants will experience throughout the remaining seven Saturday sessions.
This grant-funded program is open to all students, especially those from culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse backgrounds, including Black or African American students, Latinx students, students who qualify for the National Free or Reduced Price Meal Program, or students from rural Illinois counties. PROMISE will be offered in several locations in Illinois. For more information, please visit the main PROMISE webpage. Check back here in January, 2027 for details about the 7th and 8th grade programs being offered in the MetroEast in the Spring, 2027 semester.
2026 Summer@IMSA Day Camps – Metro East
Thank you for a great summer and we look forward to seeing your
Saturday STEM Programs
Offered in communities across the state throughout the school year, this program engages students in hands-on STEM experiences spanning a wide range of topics. Through collaborative group activities, participants build teamwork and problem-solving skills while exploring dynamic and engaging STEM content.
Aero Innovators Saturday STEM Program
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Time: 1:30–5:30 p.m.
Grades: 7–8
Location: Fulton Jr. High School, 307 Kyle Road, O’Fallon, IL 62269
Cost: $35
Program Description:
Students in grades 7–8 will explore coding, engineering, and the physics of flight in this engaging drone program. Students will learn drone safety, program drones using block-based coding, and complete flight missions that incorporate sensors and real-world problem-solving. Collaborative challenges will allow students to apply their skills while building confidence with drone technology.
Full STEAM Ahead: Fun and Games Saturday
Program Description:
Grades 3-4
Grades 5-6
Ready to ditch the memorization and discover math you actually get? Forget worksheets and formulas that don't make sense - it's time to explore a whole different side of math: one full of patterns, puzzles, and "aha!" moments. You'll crack codes hidden in numbers and shapes, use patterns to solve mind-bending problems, and start thinking like a real mathematician. If you love math, this program is for you. If you don't like math, this program is also for you!