Center for Mathematics, Science, & Technology at Illinois State

07/16/2026

On August 8th at 3:00 pm, there will be a free virtual screening of the documentary “Counted Out” followed by a live conversation about AI. So, if you missed the screening at the Normal Theater last January or would like to see it again and participate in the conversation about “How to Stay Empowered in the Age of AI,” you can visit their event page for more info or to RSVP for the livestream and chat.

In the 21st century, fueled by technology, data, and algorithms, math determines who has the power to shape our world.

07/14/2026

It’s great to see our friends from the IPREFER Project being recognized for all the progress they have made in their research and efforts to modify and develop pennycress into a useful oilseed cover crop.

A cross-disciplinary team of Illinois State University researchers, led by Professor of Genetics John Sedbrook, has genetically transformed wild pennycress into a cash cover crop that can benefit farmers and the environment.

07/09/2026

Congratulations to Claire Campbell and all of the Bone Scholars! Claire is one of CeMaST's STEM Ambassadors.

Illinois State University is proud to recognize 14 students who were selected as Robert G. Bone Scholars for 2026-27. Named in honor of the late president of Illinois State from 1956-1967, the scholarship is the highest university-wide honor given to undergraduate students.

07/02/2026

The public and media are invited to a meet-and-greet style event for the Illinois State University Solar Car Team on July 14 ahead of the team's summer events.

07/02/2026

Did you know that we have many official Safe Place locations in our community where youth can go if they are in need of a help? These include the fire stations in Bloomington and Normal and city buses.

You can find the nearest Safe Place location by searching on their website (https://www.nationalsafeplace.org/) or by sending a text to 4HELP (44357) with the word "SAFE" and your location (city/state/zip).

School is out in many communities, and summer break can bring new challenges for youth. Safe Place is here 24/7/365, providing immediate access to safety, support, and someone who cares.

Look for the yellow and black Safe Place sign and step inside to get connected to help when it’s needed most.

06/30/2026

Stay safe out there in the heat this week, and remember that there are local cooling centers for those who need them.

2026 McLean County Cooling Center/Shelter Information:

Cooling Center – A short term emergency location where people can get out of dangerous temperatures to prevent injury or loss of life. Typically, a stopping point until the people can move on, or to, a more appropriate facility. No food or sleeping accommodations are provided. Some cooling centers are 24 hour businesses where people can stop in.

GIS Map: https://mcleangis.maps.arcgis.com/.../nearby/index.html...

Arrowsmith:
- Call the METCOM non-emergency number, 309-888-5030, and they will contact the fire chief to assist you.
Bloomington:
- Bloomington Public Library, 205 E. Olive St., 309-828-6091 (M-Th 9 am – 9 pm & F/Sa 9 am – 5 pm/Su 1 – 5 pm)
- Connect Transit Bus – availability determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on available resources & weather; parking lot of the McLean Co Health Dept, 200 W. Front St., Bloomington
- Walmart, 2225 W. Market St., open 6 am – 11 pm
Normal:
- Meijer, 1900 E. College Ave, 6 am - midnight
- Uptown Station, 11 Uptown Circle, Available daily until last train at 9:00 pm
- Walmart, 300 Greenbriar, 7am – 11 pm
Bellflower:
- Bellflower Community Center cafeteria, 104 W. Center St., enter the NE double doors, 10 am – 6 pm Th-Sat.
Chenoa:
- Chenoa Fire Dept 920 E. Cemetery Ave., call the MetCom non-emergency number, 309-888-5030 and they will contact the fire dept to be sure the station is manned.
Cooksville:
- Call the MetCom non-emergency number, 309-888-5030, and they will contact the fire chief or village president to assist you.
Downs:
- Downs Fire Dept, 102 W Main St., Downs – open 24 hours Call 309-378-2021 to make sure it is staffed
Heyworth:
- Village Hall, 108 S. Buchanan St., 7:30 am – 3:45 pm M-F, contact on site staff for assistance
- Heyworth Fire Dept upon notification, 103 S. Buchanan St., 309-473-3223.
Hudson:
- Hudson Fire Dept, 502 N. Broadway, Hudson. Call first to see if station is manned, 309-275-4987.
LeRoy:
- Loves Travel, 505 S. Persimmon Dr. 24 hrs
- Additional place will be available if requested, stop by or call the LeRoy Police Dept, 110 S. East St.
Lexington:
- Can open one if needed, contact Metcom at 309-888-5030 they will contact Lexington police, fire, or Lexington EMA to assist.
McLean:
- Road Ranger Truck Stop, 315 E. Dixie Rd- open 24 hours
Saybrook:
- Call the METCOM non-emergency number, 309-888-5030, and they will contact the fire chief to assist you.
Stanford:
- Allin Twnsph Fire Dept, 104 W. Main St., Stanford. Call the MetCom non-emergency number, 309-888-5030, and they will contact the fire dept to assist you.
Homeless Shelters:
- Salvation Army Safe Harbor, 208 N Oak St, Bloomington–Open for people that are shelter residents or day center patrons but are not banned from the
property or from receiving services.
- Home Sweet Home Ministries, 303 E. Oakland Ave, Bloomington, Open 24 hrs for shelter residents
The Junction at Home Sweet Home Ministries (located at 301 E Oakland Ave – the old Mission Mart) is open Tuesday-Friday from 10am-5pm and Monday by appointment. They welcome anyone from the community in need of a place to cool down.
- Project Oz – serves homeless youth ages 17-23, call PATH at 309-827-4005 and ask them to page Project Oz on-call staff.

06/08/2026

During the summer months, there are city buildings and businesses that serve as cooling centers in Bloomington–Normal and beyond. This list includes Uptown Station, Meijer, the Bloomington Public Library, and both Walmart locations. McLean County also has an interactive map to help you locate nearby warming centers and shelters.

Check your local city or county pages to find cooling centers and shelters near you.

Send a message to learn more

06/03/2026

Downtown Bloomington turns back the clock to the 1960s during Cruisin’ Through the Century weekend with an evening of live...

05/29/2026

We’re so proud of how much our STEM Ambassadors have accomplished and all the work that they continue to do to support student success at ISU. We also look forward to a second cohort of STEM Ambassadors joining them this fall.

ISU’s student STEM Ambassadors led faculty professional development workshops as part of a CIPD-sponsored workshop series in spring 2026.

05/28/2026