Danforth Center Refocuses Education and Outreach to Deepen High-quality STEM Learning in Historically Under-resourced Communities

Center will concentrate on fewer, higher-impact partnerships—building momentum with JJK FAN in East St. Louis

ST. LOUIS, MO. / EAST ST. LOUIS, IL — January 14, 2026 — The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center (the Danforth Center) today announced a refocused education and outreach strategy designed to deepen meaningful, measurable impact for students in historically under-resourced communities. The Center will concentrate its efforts through a smaller set of high-impact partnerships to strengthen instructional quality, improve consistency, and expand pathways into STEM and plant-science careers.

A cornerstone of this recommitment is the Center’s partnership with the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Food, Agriculture, Nutrition (FAN) Innovation Center (JJK FAN)—an East St. Louis hub that connects youth and families to STEM learning and real-world experiences across agriculture, food innovation, nutrition, physical activity, and entrepreneurship.

“Refocusing our outreach is about going deeper—delivering higher-quality experiences, stronger outcomes, and clearer pathways for students,” said Giles Oldroyd, PhD, president of the Danforth Center. “By concentrating on fewer, higher-impact partnerships like JJK FAN, we can bring the Danforth Center’s strengths in plant science education to communities where opportunity gaps are greatest, and ensure our work is consistent and built to last.”

The Danforth Center’s education and outreach programs are designed to spark curiosity and build real pathways into STEM—particularly plant science and agriculture—through hands-on learning for students and practical tools for educators. In the Center’s refocused strategy, that work will be concentrated through a smaller set of high-impact partnerships where consistent, high-quality instruction and measurable outcomes can be delivered at scale—beginning with JJK FAN. The Center will use the learnings and experience in East St. Louis to broaden its engagement in other historically under-resourced communities in St. Louis where access to high-quality STEM opportunities are limited.

“JJK FAN is built to help young people thrive by connecting hands-on learning with real-world opportunity,” said Amy Funk, Director of the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Food, Agriculture and Nutrition Innovation Center (JJK FAN). “We’re excited about this recommitment because it deepens our collaboration and supports meaningful, engaging experiences for students—showing how food, science, and innovation can come together to improve lives and livelihoods.”

JJK FAN is powered by four partner organizations—the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the Danforth Center, and Lansdowne UP—working together to expand opportunity for youth and families in East St. Louis and beyond.

As part of this refocus, the Danforth Center will prioritize:

• High-quality STEM instruction that is hands-on, culturally informed, and aligned to clear learning outcomes
• High-impact partnerships that deepen results for youth and families in East St. Louis and in other historically under-resourced communities in St. Louis.
• STEM and workforce pathways that connect students to mentorship, internships, and career exploration opportunities