BOSS Collaborative

K-12 STEAM education

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

Careers in STEAM provide more opportunities for upward mobility, empowerment, and impact than many other fields. There are critical gaps in the STEAM workforce and target youth don't pursue the pathway due to a lack of confidence, resources and supports. Without proficiency in math, it is impossible to pursue/succeed in a STEAM pathway, and any program to increase the participation of target youth that does not address the documented math challenge will not increase nor diversity the pool of target youth who pursue STEAM. The best time to intervene and support target youth in STEAM education is as early as possible. Through early intervention, we avoid historical barriers and challenges and are able to implement targeted support programs to address them. High-quality K-12 STEAM education is essential if we are to increase the participation of target youth in STEAM, which is essential for fostering innovation, creativity and diverse perspectives within the workforce and industry.

In the canvas of the nonprofit arena, imagine vibrant strokes of collaboration and innovation merging to create a masterpiece of empowerment and change. A collaborative effort among 3 nonprofits who are distinguished as City Scholars® Foundation Fellows, a multi-year fellowship for leaders of education nonprofits that collectively help over 56,000 target youth throughout Greater LA have a better chance to learn and achieve against the odds. Because the Fellowship convenes monthly, we have extended opportunities to build the trust and camaraderie upon which authentic and effective cross-sector collaboration is built. Together, we’ll form a cohesive ecosystem of support, addressing the multifaceted needs of target youth with precision and compassion. As the scene unfolds, you’ll witness the ripple effects of this collaborative approach. Target youth who once faced insurmountable odds will thrive academically and personally their potential unleashed by the combined efforts of the collaboration. By Integrating academic, career, and college prep support, leveraging the specialized knowledge of each collaborating nonprofit, target youth will receive well-rounded assistance and our impact on their achievement will be magnified, creating a more significant change than isolated programming. Collectively, we'll equip target youth with the necessary tools and support to pursue higher education and fulfilling careers, breaking the cycle of poverty and underachievement.

The landscape would be significantly transformed across several dimensions. Robust mentorship programs connecting target youth with professionals in STEAM fields would be prevalent, many of whom are BIPOC themselves, as would enriched school programs focused on STEAM education that incorporate hands-on STEAM activities as part of the curriculum for elementary target students, fostering an inclusive and encouraging environments for all students. Empowered by education and career opportunities, the county would experience an increase in positive role models challenging stereotypes and inspiring even more target youth to pursue STEAM and their engagement in meaningful and rewarding activities will be a component in the reduction in crime and social issues related to economic disenfranchisement. County is a hub for technological advancements to address urban challenges such as traffic congestion, pollution, and public health fueled by a diverse workforce, driving innovation and growth.

To effectively measure and communicate the success of the pilot project and ensure meaningful impact for target youth, we'll clearly define objectives, set measurable goals, and implement a robust evaluation framework. Will include quantitative (academic performance, participation, etc.) and qualitative (interviews, surveys) metrics as well as pre and post pilot program assessment of progress against baseline and continuous monitoring. We'll provide progress and yearend summarizing findings, successes, challenges, and recommendations. By leveraging the individual successes of the collaborating nonprofits, we'll create a powerful, synergistic effort that enhances the educational and career outcomes for target youth, ensuring the overall success of the pilot program. The individual success of the collaborating nonprofits provides a model that can be replicated and scaled within the collaboration, ensuring sustainable growth and impact to serve more target youth and communities.

BOSS will provide academic support trough tailored tutoring and enrichment programs. Educate California will provide target youth and their parents with essential knowledge, skills and resources that students need to graduate - college and career ready. STREAM will provide career exposure and networking opportunities connecting the dots between education and career for target youth we'll serve.