To Educate, To Entertain, To Engage


Memphis Junior Science Association is a youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that aims to provide educational science programs and lead outreach initiatives for people of all ages at no cost, regardless of their background. By organizing events and competitions around the nation, we aim to make science accessible for more people and provide educational programs that supplement their school curriculum and daily life.
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Our story
After founding science clubs at two local elementary schools, Tara Oaks and Crosswind Elementary, Anna and Alex not only reinforced their commitment to youth education but also realized how many people didn't have the opportunities that students at these schools have.  After that, we founded MJSA to create science educational opportunities for all members of the community that would enable them to live in a more enriched, meaningful way. From the very beginning, we decided that all of our outreach initiates would be completely free for all to participate in, regardless of age, background, or location. 

Impact

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people reached
through our events and programs

volunteer hours
​served to communities

Board Of Directors
The Board of Directors oversees all activities of the organization, including volunteer coordination, curriculum design, website design, social media management, funding,  expenditures, publicity, and outreach partnerships with various local and out-of-state organizations. 

Alex Zhang
​Founder,
Executive Director
High School Senior
​Vice President, 9.2019 - 5.2020
Executive Director, 5.2020 - Present

As a 3-year veteran of Science Olympiad, a captain for the Collierville High Science Olympiad team, and captain of the Collierville High Science Bowl team, Alex hopes to leverage his extensive experience in science competitions to promote interest in various scientific disciplines for younger kids around the nation. 

​Anna Hudson
Founder,
Vice President 
​Freshman, Stanford University
​Executive Director, 9.2019 - 5.2020
​Vice President, 5.2020- Present

After starting her own environmental camp, Anna fell in love with working with kids. In high school, she was a Science Olympiad captain and state champion and founded the Backyard Naturalists at the Memphis Botanic Garden. Her energy for outreach is rooted in her strong commitment to sharing her love of science with others.   

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Rupali Venkatesan
​Curriculum Developer
​High School Senior
Instructor, 12.2019 - 5.2020
​Board Member, 5.2020 - Present

Through volunteering at schools and summer camps, Rupali developed a passion for mentoring younger kids. She hopes to inspire and interest children of all age groups in the intricacies of the science world. Rupali strives to make a lasting impact on the younger generation and encourage their interests into the STEM field.

Shreya Singh​
​Curriculum Developer
​​High School Senior
Instructor, 3.2020 - 5.2020
Board Member, 5.2020 - Present

Shreya found her love for working with kids by volunteering at her local library and religious association. She’s a member of her high school’s varsity swim team, enjoys competition in engineering competitions through Technology Student Association, and is the secretary of her school’s internship club. Shreya hopes to encourage younger generations to build a passion for science.

Instructors
Instructors are veteran volunteers who have completed at least 12 hours of service with MJSA. These dedicated individuals help serve our community through their continued volunteering efforts, providing science education to the people who need it most. 

Jessica He
​Instructor, Head of STEP
High School Senior
9.2019 - Present
​Using her work experience with children, Jessica aims to educate and inspire the next generation of scientists. She has been a member of her school's Science Olympiad team for the past three years and enjoys spreading knowledge to people of all ages.

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Partners

Sponsored by:
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AZ Trading International
​9.2019 - Present

AZ Trading International is a Memphis-based business that delivers high-quality, wild-caught American sea cucumbers to customers in China, the US, and Japan, helping clients receive products that will keep them healthy while supporting various educational outreach and veterans initiatives.

Alex Zhang, MJSA Executive Vice President, founded and runs AZ Trading International, the sole sponsor of MJSA since its founding. 
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Check out our news article in the Daily Memphian and our feature by the Town of Collierville!