Above / Students visit Water University at Nalco Water, an Ecolab Company in Naperville on a field experience during the inaugural Physical & Life Sciences program of KidsMatter’s SpringBoard Summer Series. (Photo courtesy KidsMatter)
KidsMatter Report
The SpringBoard Summer Series hosted by KidsMatter and key community partners recently wrapped up a successful season by offering more career exploration opportunities than ever in the program’s three-year history.
A total of 156 students from nine area high schools experienced fast-paced classroom learning and hands-on field experiences this summer in several high-demand career fields through this popular program. The SpringBoard Summer Series this year added a Physical & Life Sciences program with a collaboration with Fermilab in Batavia; invited students at Lisle High School and Benet Academy to join the Healthcare program with Endeavor Health and a College of DuPage Survey of Healthcare Careers class; expanded Trades & Construction Field Experiences and resumed a Pharmacy Technician program to introduce students to these dynamic fields.
“This expansion is possible because our community continues to say ‘yes’ to investing in our young people,” said Sherilyn Hebel, Director of Programs for KidsMatter. “With this growth, we are able to provide opportunities that not only spark inspiration, but also foster collaboration, confidence, and the skills students need to thrive both now and in the future.”
Students learned from expert scientists, nurses, doctors, pharmacists, construction managers, electricians, cement workers, builders and other professionals during site visits as part of their SpringBoard experience.
“Being able to meet people in the field that I am passionate about, I was truly able to see myself in the future,” said one participant in the Survey of Healthcare Careers program. “I also made lots of amazing friends throughout this process.”
Participants visited sites including Endeavor Health clinical stations at Edward and Elmhurst hospitals, the Endeavor Health corporate office, Endeavor Health Linden Oaks behavioral health hospital, Naperville Police and Fire Departments, City of Naperville, Naperville Chamber of Commerce Team B2B members, Naperville Development Partnership, DuPage County Health Department, Ecolab, Google, Waident Technology Solutions, Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, PowerForward DuPage, Bulley & Andrews, a Walsh Construction site in Warrenville, College of DuPage, North Central College and Benedictine University, among others. Students afterward described their experiences as engaging, exciting and incredibly impactful.
“Thanks to the tremendous support of our community, these experiences have been truly transformational for young people,” said Nina Menis, CEO & Executive Director of KidsMatter. “Students have had the opportunity to explore career pathways aligned with their interests while connecting with peers who share those aspirations. Along the way, they have built meaningful friendships that will continue to inspire and support them as they enter the upcoming school year.”
The SpringBoard program launched in 2023 in partnership with local school districts, College of DuPage, Endeavor Health and the Endeavor Health Community Investment Fund, offering sessions focused on healthcare and behavioral health careers. The program is grant-funded, so KidsMatter and sponsoring organizations cover all costs for coursework and field experiences — even providing transportation for some students to reach classroom sites.
Additional collaborating organizations include Fermilab Summer Camp, Bosch, Lisle Township Community Mental Health Board, DuPage County Health Department, Marquette Companies, Ryan Hill Group, Nalco Water — an Ecolab Company, Walmart, PowerForward DuPage, local trades organizations, construction management companies, industry experts and many others.
KidsMatter since 2001
Recognized as Naperville’s proactive, youth oriented human service organization, KidsMatter’s mission is to build resilient kids who say “no” to destructive choices and “yes” to endless possibilities. Established in 2001, KidsMatter has received the Naperville Chamber of Commerce 2014 “NFP of the Year” Award, 2015 “AT&T Investing in Illinois Award” and Illinois Principals Association 2016 “Building School Community Bridges Award” for its work helping young people build developmental assets including positive values, healthy relationships, and self-esteem. With programming focused on preventing problems in the lives of youth before they start, KidsMatter equips youth and families with essential tools to manage the societal pressures and stress of everyday life through dynamic school and community programs, practical education, resources, and youth recognition. A community leader among nonprofits, KidsMatter harnesses the power of partnership with parents, educators, and an extensive network of community resources to help kids and families thrive.
Submitted by Marie Wilson for KidsMatter.
2025-08-26 16:33:00