Illinois Science & Technology Institute

Education78% confidence

The Illinois Science & Technology Institute (ISTI) is a STEM-focused nonprofit that connects companies with classrooms across Illinois through project-based learning and mentoring programs. It is the 501(c)(3) education affiliate of the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition.

Chicago, Illinois, USA
istcoalition.org
Owned by Illinois Science & Technology Coalition

About Illinois Science & Technology Institute

The Illinois Science & Technology Institute (ISTI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening Illinois’ STEM talent pipeline by connecting companies with classrooms. As the education-focused affiliate of the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition, ISTI designs and runs programs that link students and teachers with industry mentors to work on real-world STEM challenges, research projects, and career exploration experiences. Historically based at 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza in Chicago, ISTI now operates out of shared offices with the Coalition while continuing to serve schools and corporate partners statewide.([istcoalition.org](https://www.istcoalition.org/about/?utm_source=openai))

A charge from the Illinois Science & Technology Institute on a card statement is most likely related to participation fees for an educational program, payments for a STEM challenge or mentoring initiative, sponsorship or partnership contributions from a company, or a charitable donation processed directly by the organization. Because ISTI is a nonprofit, some charges may also correspond to event registrations, professional development workshops for educators, or funder-related transactions tied to its STEM education programs.([projects.propublica.org](https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/454092094?utm_source=openai))

If you have questions about an ISTI charge, start by checking any emails or invoices from the Illinois Science & Technology Institute or the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition around the transaction date, as these usually include payment confirmations and program names. You can also contact the organization using the contact information on its website to verify the transaction and request a copy of the invoice or receipt. When reaching out, have the transaction date, exact amount, and any internal reference number from your bank statement ready; this will help staff quickly match the payment in their records and resolve issues such as duplicate charges, billing to the wrong card, or adjustments for cancelled participation.

Bank Statement Variations

1 known variations

These are the raw merchant codes that appear on bank and credit card statements that we've identified as belonging to Illinois Science & Technology Institute.

  1. card pur Illinois s 655000 chicago il 222 merchandise mart

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I see a charge from the Illinois Science & Technology Institute on my card statement?

Most charges from the Illinois Science & Technology Institute (ISTI) relate to program participation fees, STEM challenge or mentoring program costs, event registrations, or sponsorship/donation payments made to support its educational initiatives. Review recent emails or agreements with ISTI or the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition to identify the specific program linked to the charge.

Is a payment to the Illinois Science & Technology Institute considered a tax-deductible donation?

ISTI is a 501(c)(3) public charity, so most direct contributions are generally tax-deductible in the United States, subject to IRS rules and your personal tax situation. For confirmation, refer to your donation receipt and consult a tax advisor or the IRS; the receipt should list ISTI’s EIN and donation details for your records.([projects.propublica.org](https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/454092094?utm_source=openai))

How can I get a receipt or invoice for my payment to the Illinois Science & Technology Institute?

Check the confirmation email you received at the time of payment—ISTI typically sends itemized confirmations for registrations, program fees, and sponsorships. If you can’t find it, contact ISTI via the email or phone listed on istcoalition.org and provide the transaction date, amount, and the last four digits of the card used so they can reissue the receipt or invoice.

How do I cancel or change participation in an ISTI program that I paid for?

Cancellation and change policies can vary by program or event. Review the registration or participation agreement you received from ISTI for specific terms and deadlines, then email or call the program contact listed in that documentation. Be sure to mention the program name, school or company affiliation, and payment details so ISTI staff can determine whether a cancellation, credit, or date change is possible.

Can I get a refund for an Illinois Science & Technology Institute charge if our school or company no longer participates?

Refund eligibility depends on the timing and the specific agreement for the program or sponsorship. If you need a refund or credit, contact ISTI as soon as possible with your invoice or confirmation number, transaction amount, and reason for the request; they can explain whether a full or partial refund, credit toward a future program, or substitution of participants is allowed under the terms you agreed to.

Why is the merchant description abbreviated as something like 'Illinois S' with '222 Merchandise Mart' in the descriptor?

Payment processors often truncate nonprofit names to fit character limits and then append the organization’s mailing address, which for ISTI historically included 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza in Chicago. The short form 'Illinois S…' plus that address can therefore correspond to the Illinois Science & Technology Institute, even if the full name is not shown.([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merchandise_Mart?utm_source=openai))

How can I verify that a charge to the Illinois Science & Technology Institute is legitimate for my organization or school?

Compare the date and amount of the charge with signed agreements, purchase orders, or email confirmations for ISTI or Illinois Science & Technology Coalition programs your school or company joined. If you are unsure, contact ISTI using the information on their website, and ask them to confirm the payer name, amount, and purpose recorded in their system; they can also tell you which program or invoice it matches.

What should I do if I don’t recognize an Illinois Science & Technology Institute charge and suspect it may be unauthorized?

First, confirm with colleagues, your school’s finance office, or your company’s procurement team that no one made a legitimate payment to ISTI for a program or event. If no one recognizes the transaction, contact ISTI to see if they have it on record under your card or organization. If they cannot verify it, immediately notify your bank or card issuer to dispute the charge and request a card replacement if fraud is suspected.

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