Do you know a student who loves science? Are they looking for an afterschool program that's both free and fun? Van Andel Institute for Education (VAI) is currently accepting applications for its Spring 2022 Afterschool Cohorts, now back to in-person lessons. Through hands-on investigations in two categories, Biodiversity & Human Innovation, students will ask questions, investigate, and discover answers using the latest scientific tools and resources. These experiences are aimed at grades 5-7 and seek to inspire students who are curious, creative, and critical thinkers!

Our Spring 2022 Afterschool Cohort (Grades 5-7) lineup includes:

• Ecosystem Explorers (Grades 5-6): Do you know how ecosystems are important to our health? In this afterschool cohort, students will have the opportunity to learn how ecosystems work and why they matter by designing their own investigations using animals and plants. Plus, they'll get to build their own living ecosystem and visit with local environmental experts to learn about problems facing our ecosystems!
   
• Energy Innovators (Grades 6-7): Where would we be without energy? Students will Investigate energy and its many uses in our world through this cohort experience as they learn about traditional energy sources and explore alternative energies that will help power the future. Throughout the semester, students will explore the environmental and economic costs and benefits of energy used to move vehicles and design their own car!

Participation in these programs is secured on a first-come, first served basis. There is no cost for participation in Afterschool Cohort as tuition is underwritten by the Van Andel Institute.

For more information on the available sessions, including their dates and times, please visit vaei.org.