Helping children explore their curiosities is our superpower.
Our vision is that every child served by Oak Park Education Network has the opportunity to explore their curiosities, dream big, and find their passions through our innovative programming. Our strengths lie in professionals who share their passion for learning with our public school kids.
Joyful, hands-on learning
Because students learn best when they're engaged, active, and having fun.
Expert teachers and partners
Every program is co-designed with classroom educators and field experts.
Accessible, inclusive programming
No fees, no barriers. STEAM is for every child in Oak Park.
Future-ready skills
From creativity to critical thinking to career awareness, we build what matters.
Watch Our Story
Our Impact By the Numbers.
Three Decades of Opening Minds in Oak Park
Students served annually
across D97 in Oak Park
Years of opening minds and sparking curiosity in our community
%
In-school programs completely free to District 97 families
The A changes
everything.
Science, technology, engineering, and math are powerful on their own. But when you add the Arts: creativity, expression, empathy, and critical thinking - something remarkable happens.
Students don't just understand concepts. They make meaning from them. They see themselves in the work. They learn to solve problems with both analytical precision and human imagination.
That's why OPEN uses STEAM. The A isn't decorative. It's what makes the learning stick.
S
Science
Observe, question, and experiment with the world.
T
Technology
Code, create, and navigate responsibly.
E
Engineering
Build, prototype, and solve real problems.
Secret Ingredient
A
Arts
Express, imagine, and make meaning through the arts.
M
Math
Reason, analyze, see the patterns in everything.
An Intentional Learning Journey, K through 8.
Every OPEN program is designed for where your child is — and where they're headed. From a first grader's first brushstroke to an 8th grader mapping their career path, this is one continuous journey.
In-School Enrichment
Delivered inside every D97 school
OPEN’s in-school programs are integrated into the regular school day, so there’s no need to register or sign up.
After-School Enrichment
Go deeper. Stay curious
OPEN's after-school programs extend the learning for students who want more. Middle school after-school clubs are free. Elementary Afterschool Enrichment is offered through each school's PTO and they are fee based - enrollment links are provided for each school below.
Summer Programs
Summer is a STEAM adventure
When school's out, OPEN keeps the curiosity going. Our summer programs offer students immersive, multi-day STEAM experiences — from flexible week by week STEAM adventures at BASE Camp to real world career discovery at D97 Career Exploration Program.
"We love OPEN Programs. My kids are so excited each summer for BASE Camp and learn so much! They have also enjoyed Spoken Word programs during the school day."
Local D97 Parent
Oak Park, Illinois
Every Dollar Opens a Door.
OPEN's programs are free to students — and possible because of the generosity of our donors, partners, and community. Your support keeps STEAM exploration accessible to every child in Oak Park, regardless of background.