At TNTeen Science Café in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, teens are taking the lead, turning their curiosity about STEM into programs they design, shape, and bring to life.
For Julene Diaz, a former youth director and passionate library STEM advocate, creating the café felt like a natural extension of her work. She saw more than just a need for STEM programming; she saw an opportunity to give teens a space to grow into leaders. “Teens need leadership opportunities for continued growth and empowerment,” she says. “Learning STEM is important, but giving young people the chance to explore their own capabilities and take initiative is what makes this truly meaningful.”
That energy shows up in every part of the café. Teens in grades 6–12 take ownership of the experience, brainstorming ideas, making decisions, and building each event from the ground up. And while the cafés themselves are exciting, Julene says the real magic often happens before the event even begins.
“My favorite moments are when the team is creating the next café,” she shares. “You can actually see it happening, the shift from uncertainty to confidence. They start piecing ideas together, speaking up more, and trusting each other. By the time they’ve built a full vision, there’s this real sense of pride and camaraderie.”
As the school year wraps up, the team is preparing for a milestone moment. Their final meeting in early May will be less about planning and more about celebrating—honoring graduating members and looking ahead to a team retreat. It’s a transition filled with mixed emotions.
“Saying goodbye is always bittersweet,” Julene reflects. “But what’s really powerful is seeing how those graduating members have mentored younger teens. That’s how this café continues to grow through them.”
Of course, not every highlight is behind a planning table. Some moments are unforgettable for entirely different reasons—like the time teens got hands-on with reptiles, holding snakes, lizards, and turtles. “They loved it,” Julene says with a smile. “I’m pretty sure they’d vote to bring that experience back.”
Behind the scenes, Julene has experienced her own shift as well, learning to step back and trust her Catalyst Team to guide and mentor the group. It’s a change that’s made space for teens to truly lead.
“It’s been about letting go,” she explains. “And in doing that, I’ve watched them step up in ways that are inspiring.”
Looking back, Julene doesn’t hesitate to sum it up: “It has been an absolute joy watching this group of teens grow into a cohesive team supporting each other while creating something meaningful for their peers.”
At TNTeen Science Café, STEM is just the starting point. What’s really being built is confidence, connection, and a community where teens can see themselves not just as learners but as leaders.
