Sanford Promise

We had a great time with students at Inside Out, our first summer program of the year. Students learned about the respiratory and circulatory system and spent the afternoon dissecting a heart and lungs. There are still openings in our June 22nd program, which is open to middle school students. https://bit.ly/PROMISESummer2026

✈️🔬 Ben recently traveled to New Orleans to represent Sanford PROMISE at an AAAS conference focused on EPSCoR funding and outreach initiatives.

On May 22, he shared how outreach programs can inspire future scientists, strengthen community engagement, and expand access to research opportunities. 🌟

Stop on by… we’ll be doing STEM activities until 2pm

Summer programs at Sanford Research are officially underway! 🔬
We’re excited to welcome four talented high school students to our PROMISE Scholar Program, where they’ll spend the next 10 weeks working hands-on in research labs. This week, they’re diving into lab methods training and developing their research projects.
Please help us give a warm welcome to:
✨ Amare Williams – Sioux Falls Lincoln High School
✨ Elena Schellpfeffer – Sioux Falls Lincoln High School
✨ Calista Sahr – Madison High School
✨ Reid Hammerquist – Tea Area High School
We’re thrilled to have you join us and can’t wait to see what you accomplish this summer!

Congratulations to all those who are graduating! We wish you the best in achieving all your goals. Stay curious!

Mark your calendars for May 30! 🗓️ The Family Fest Fun Cruise is rolling in—stop by Sanford at The Bridges for interactive science fun with the PROMISE team, parenting resources, and the Zoo Express from 10–12!
The Hood Magazine

Do you know a middle school student who is curious and interested in anatomy? Check out our Inside Out Summer Program. This one-day, free program will take students on a journey through the circulatory system and challenge them to think critically through a case study. We will dissect a lung and heart while designing a solution to a blood clot issue. We still have spots open! Sign up today before registration fills. https://bit.ly/PROMISESummer2026

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
Thank you to the educators who go above and beyond to create meaningful learning experiences. Each summer, we’re inspired by the teachers who join our professional development—showing their commitment to growth and going the extra mile.

Meet Jennifer Esser, a science educator at Harrisburg South Middle School with over 24 years of experience. In our latest blog, she shares how using PROMISE resources to teach advanced middle school science helps keep learning relevant, engaging, and full of discovery.

👉 Read the spotlight to learn more! bit.ly/4mX6XB7

The PROMISE team had a great time visiting second graders at the beautiful new Marcella LeBeau Elementary in Sioux Falls!

Students learned all about DNA—and even extracted DNA from a strawberry! 🧬🍓