Community Outreach
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In the community
open shows up.
Our commitment to Oak Park extends beyond the classroom. From hands-on booths at neighborhood events to honoring the educators who inspire our kids, OPEN is woven into the fabric of this community.
Community events and presence
Fall Into STEAM
Our signature annual community celebration brings families and educators together for hands-on exploration, creativity, and STEAM learning. Held each fall.
Oaktoberfest
Families can visit OPEN in the Kids Garden for a hands-on STEAM activity, learn about our programs, and take home a project to continue the fun.
A Day In Our Village
OPEN joins this annual community celebration with an interactive STEAM activity and opportunities for families to learn more about our programs.
OPEF Chamber of Commerce
OPEN is a nonprofit member of the Oak Park–River Forest Chamber, connected to the broader business and civic community.
Staszak Outstanding Educator of the Year
Each year, OPEN honors an extraordinary District 97 educator who demonstrates humanitarian spirit, devotion, and service to students - the same values that defined our founding board member, William C. Staszak.
William C. Staszak was a founding board member of the Oak Park Education Foundation (OPEN's predecessor), a Village Trustee, and an attorney whose life's work was enriching public education and community life in Oak Park. This award carries his legacy forward.
- Nominations accepted: February
- Award reception: April or May (annual)
- Nominees: Outstanding District 97 educators, nominated by the community
Coming Fall 2028
Investing in the people who inspire our kids.
OPEN is launching STEAM Innovation Grants - awarding 3 to 5 grants to District 97 educators to develop STEAM programs, curriculum, or projects of their own design. Because when great teachers are given the freedom to create, extraordinary things happen.
Steam Insights
Storybook Engineering at BASE Camp
Storybook Engineering Camp at BASE Camp is a wonderful way to bring classic stories to life. Here's a sample of what they worked on last summer: The Three Little Pigs - built the sturdiest house so the Big Bad Wolf (hairdryer) couldn't knock it down; Jack and The...
Nursing Lab at BASE Camp
Last summer during BASE Camp, Concordia University welcomed our 7th and 8th Graders at their state of the art nursing facility for Nursing Lab BASE Camp! Students were trained in CPR with instructors from the River Forest Fire Dept., learned how to apply a tourniquet...
In-School Programs are Starting Up Again in D97 Schools
Spoken Word Club Started on September 18th! Our sponsored Spoken Word Club for both Brooks and Julian students started this week. If you know of a Julian or Brooks student who may be interested in joining in the future, please have them contact John Colucci or Miles...
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.