The 2024-25 LPS program year was all about growth and vision‑building. With the unwavering commitment of STEM pen pals, teachers, students, donors, and our wider community, we created more moments of connection than ever before.
By the Numbers 🔢
- 24,659 letters exchanged—each one a spark of curiosity
- 3,258 students matched with a STEM pen pal
- 32 countries letters were mailed to and from this year, from Australia to Ecuador to South Korea to Nepal to Sweden
- 15 states where LPS teachers and students live
- 9 languages that letters were exchanged in, with Spanish
and Mandarin 
topping the list outside English, and Punjabi ਪੰਜਾਬੀ and Tagalog 
proudly represented - 1 US territory with an LPS classroom (the Virgin Islands)
LPS teacher Ms. Johnson mails letters from her students in Moreno Valley, CA to places all over the world.
People & Transitions 🫂
- A Fond Farewell
Our Program Managers, Jenelle and Lex, transitioned out of their roles this year to focus on new adventures. While we miss them deeply, we remain grateful for the countless hours they invested in strengthening LPS and mentoring the next generation of leaders. - Fresh Faces, Fresh Ideas
Enter Christine and Laura—our new Program Managers! Their energy and fresh perspectives are already expanding what’s possible at LPS, and we can’t wait for you to experience their creativity firsthand. Meet them!
Impact Moments 🌿
- Pen Pal Matt visits his pre-scientist’s school
Matt traveled all the way from the UK to the heart of the U.S. to help his pre‑scientist—and their entire class—build model rockets. This was a rare opportunity for a pen pal pair to meet in person, cementing a powerful experience into a transformational memory. - Reading & New Growth
At the start of the year, an Indiana 7th‑grader struggled with reading comprehension. Their pen pal kept letters short and filled them with illustrations, one and a half pages tops! By Round 3, curiosity took over—those same letters stretched to three or four pages, illustrations optional! Growth like this proves that having something you’re interested in along with personalized encouragement can do wonders for our self esteem and overall growth. - Virgin Islands Gratitude
One sixth‑grade class was so touched by their STEM pen pals that they mailed holiday cards to each volunteer, sharing how much those letters meant.
LPS pen pal Matt gets to meet his pre-scientist in person in Ohio in May 2025.
LPS in Real Life ✈️
We love snail mail, but nothing beats meeting face‑to‑face!
- San Diego, CA
In early 2025, we hosted an LPS meetup where STEM pen pals, donors, teachers, board members, and LPS staff mingled, networked, and swapped stories. It was special to build community together during this particularly turbulent moment for our country. - Takoma Park, MD
In June, CEO Lucy opened her hometown to our community for a second gathering. Even without classrooms in the area, the enthusiasm of local pen pals and donors reminded us that our collective future is built on connection.
The LPS staff meetup with pen pals and donors in the DC area in June 2025.
Looking Ahead 🔭
Pen pal letters changed lives this year, and we’re just getting started. Our independent evaluator is finishing up her review of this year’s program, and we’re excited to share more about the impact she uncovered soon.
In the meantime, here’s how you can keep the momentum going:
- Become a STEM Pen Pal for the 2025–26 school year—applications open soon!
- Spread the word—share the program with friends, colleagues, and fellow STEM enthusiasts and encourage them to join our mailing list, where we always share opportunities to get involved first.
- Invest in the mission—every donation fuels more connections and more “aha!” moments. $6/month sponsors a student’s participation in the yearlong program. Join our monthly giving Stamp Squad community today!
From all of us at LPS: thank you for believing in the power of a single letter to inspire the next generation to dream big and remind them to stay curious.
