MassPEP’s Discovery Lab program is a year-round, after school and summer program designed to provide elementary and middle school students with hands-on experiences via web based projects and activities. Instructors are used to guide, encourage and motivate students' progress. The program stresses problem-solving, enhances critical thinking skills and reading comprehension, while building students' confidence and self-esteem. Massachusetts Pre-Engineering Program (MassPEP, Inc.) was founded in 1979 to identify, motivate, and prepare students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. While its programs are open to all students, MassPEP focuses its efforts on increasing the number of underserved, minority and female students who participate and succeed in science, math, engineering, and technology disciplines.

Pipeline funding will introduce 30 minority and female students to the practical applications of math and science and will ensure that students stay on target and develop the academic and personal skills needed for success. This will increase the number of African American, Hispanic and female students who are academically prepared to take advanced science and mathematics courses. A total of 30 students will participate, 15 each session. Each session meets after school 2 days each week. Participating schools will include Quincy Dickerson, Nathan Hale, David Ellis, and others in Roxbury and Mattapan.

The Discovery Lab curricula stresses problem-solving, critical thinking skills, and self-esteem and confidence through math, science, reading, writing, computer use, engineering design and hands-on Lego constructions. Students solve math and science problems and build projects that are engineering-based. Students complete a series of modules to create and build projects using Legos and other materials. Tests at the end of each module help students review and retain information. Students complete approximately ten modules in each subject section before moving to the next. Each student keeps a journal to monitor and chart progress.

The Discovery Lab gives its participants exposure to STEM careers and other programs provided by network members. The Discovery Lab experience is the introduction to a consortium of programs that will assist and help students in their academic careers. The Lab is currently working with the Massachusetts Housing Division to create new labs in Roxbury and Mattapan.