Empowering our Youth at Salesian through STEM!

K-12 STEAM education

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

The issue being addressed through this project is the lack of access to STEM education and opportunities for underprivileged youth in Boyle Heights and surrounding communities. Many of these youth may not have exposure to hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics due to socio-economic barriers. By implementing a structured STEM program at the Salesian Family Youth Center, the project aims to provide equitable access to STEM education, inspire interest in STEM fields, and equip youth with critical skills necessary for future academic and career success. Provide our students to become college ready and find new and different career paths that may interest them, providing a new scope of opportunities for many of our first generation students.

A blend of structured activities, community involvement, and support resources.
Curriculum Development:
Educators and Experts: Work with local educators, STEM professionals, and volunteers to design age-appropriate curriculum modules.
Diverse Topics: STEM disciplines such as robotics, coding, environmental science, basic engineering, and biotechnology.
Hands-On:
Weekly Workshops: Host regular STEM workshops during the afternoon school program and summer program, focusing on specific topics each session where students apply STEM principles to real-world challenges.
Tools: Ability to purchase and provide material for our youth to expand their knowledge like provide computer lab to teach new programming and have access to material they wouldn't have otherwise. Guest Speakers and Role Models:
Invite Local Professionals: Arrange for guest speakers from STEM fields to share their experiences and career paths. Organize visits to local STEM workplaces or universities to expose youth to various STEM careers. Support:
Volunteer Mentors: Recruit STEM professionals, college students, and community members as mentors to provide guidance and support. Encourage older students or alumni who excel in STEM to mentor younger participants. Trips:
Educational Visits: Plan visits to science museums, tech companies, research labs, or environmental centers to supplement classroom learning. Also, have workshops or activities during field trips to enhance understanding of STEM concepts.

Integrating STEM activities into the lives of unprivileged youth in Boyle Heights is not just about teaching technical skills—it's about empowering them to envision a brighter future, both for themselves and their community. It's about equipping them with the tools and confidence to tackle challenges, seize opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to the broader social and economic fabric of Los Angeles. By investing in STEM education and opportunities for underserved youth, we invest in the potential of our future leaders and the prosperity of our communities as a whole.It can serve as a catalyst for positive social change by providing opportunities for growth, learning, and personal development that might otherwise be inaccessible.

Evaluation and Improvement:
Assessment Tools: Use pre- and post-program assessments to measure knowledge gain and skills development.
Feedback Mechanisms: Gather feedback from participants, parents, and volunteers to continually improve the program.
Adjustments: Modify activities or curriculum based on feedback and evaluation results to better meet the needs of participants.
Sustainability and Growth:
Partnerships: Forge partnerships with local businesses, universities, or nonprofit organizations to sustain funding and support.
Long-Term Impact: Track the long-term impact of the program on participants’ academic performance, career aspirations, and community involvement.