The first-of-its-kind program blends STEM education with digital media training

NEW YORK, Oct. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — EXPLR and The News Movement (TNM) today announced the launch of the Foundations of Science Communication, a pioneering credential designed for middle school and high school students to build critical skills in science communication and digital storytelling.

The program, co-developed by EXPLR, a digital learning platform and producer of the National STEM Festival, and TNM, a youth-focused, social-first news company, aims to equip young people with the tools to communicate complex scientific ideas clearly, responsibly, and creatively across multiple platforms.

“Science and technology shape every part of our lives, but their impact depends on how well we communicate them,” said Jenny Buccos, CEO of EXPLR. “This course helps students build the skills to explain complex ideas clearly and confidently — and the badge signals that readiness to the world.”

The Science Communicators Badge includes modules on science literacy, ethical reporting, fact-checking, and creative storytelling, with participants producing multimedia content as their final project. Students who complete the program will earn an official digital credential, co-branded by EXPLR and TNM, that can be showcased on resumes, LinkedIn, and in college applications. This program equips young people to turn their passion for science into storytelling skills to become trusted voices for their generation

“Young people are already the most influential voices on social media, and they care deeply about issues like climate change, health, and technology,” said Ramin Beheshti, CEO and Co-Founder of The News Movement. “By launching this badge, we’re helping them merge their passion for science with the communication skills needed to inspire real change.”

The initiative also reflects both organizations’ commitment to media literacy, STEM education, and youth empowerment. It builds on EXPLR’s mission to create engaging educational content and TNM’s expertise in training the next wave of storytellers to reach audiences authentically on social platforms.

The first cohort of students began the program this month, with registration currently open here.

About The News Movement:

The News Movement was founded by a diverse and talented group of experienced media executives with a love of journalism, who didn’t feel like the business of media was keeping pace with the modern world. The News Movement informs and empowers audiences through fact-based content on the platforms where young audiences live their lives. Since officially launching in 2021, The News Movement has built a global community of over one million fans across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter, and reaches over 75M people every month.

About EXPLR:

EXPLR’s mission is to help kids thrive in school and life by providing real-world, rigorous, and relevant educational resources. EXPLR is a streaming video and curriculum service for grade 5-12 students, teachers, and families that helps bridge critical gaps in K-12 education. It was co-founded by leading education and entertainment figures Jenny Bucco s (founder of ProjectExplorer), Kari Byron (former Discovery Channel Mythbuster), and Andrew Zimmern (TV personality, producer, and U.N. World Food Programme Goodwill Ambassador). Since launching in 2021, EXPLR has been used in over 500 schools across 23 US states.