Illinois Science and Technology Coalition

The Illinois Science and Technology Coalition (ISTC) is a 501(c)(6) member-driven nonprofit that harnesses the power of research and innovation to expand and enrich the state's economy. Created by the State of Illinois 30+ years ago, ISTC forges public-private partnerships among industry, research institutions, federal labs, and government to increase investments in research and technology, develop talent, promote awareness and policies, and drive job growth in Illinois. As the only organization representing the full range of science and technology activity in Illinois, the mission of the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition is to cultivate innovation and technology-based economic development in Illinois. The ISTC serves as an impartial convener and broker around federal grant opportunities and other partnerships, catalyzes new initiatives that fill gaps in Illinois' research and innovation pipeline, and champions the state's tech economy through advocacy and data-driven reporting. In 2012, ISTC created its 501c3 affiliated organization, the Illinois Science and Technology Institute (ISTI) which set out to bridge the gap between classroom content and real world context by providing structured programs that connect students with mentors in a professional capacity. Two educational programs grew from this charge. The STEM Challenge program launched with an aim at high dosage, high impact mentorship. Through our STEM Challenge program, we partner Illinois high schools with the state's most innovative companies over 4-6 months to explore, create, and build solutions to authentic industry problems. The Mentor Matching Engine operates as both a virtual platform and a program for independent student research. MME focuses on skills-based volunteering and matches mentors with students based on the mentors’ professional expertise. Two new pilot include The 6 x 3 Project and Teacher Externships, the first formal program of its kind in Illinois