SparkUp Futures

K-12 STEAM education

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

LAUSD has seen accomplishments throughout the years; however, there are still many hurdles to overcome. Reported data shows the need for students to reach academic proficiency. There is also lack of relevant and accessible extracurricular activities being offered to the students, with the added need for social connection. Addressing the issue of academic disparity involves implementing strategies to provide equal educational opportunities for all students, regardless of their background or circumstances. This may include ensuring access to quality education, adequate resources, skilled teachers, and support services for all students. It also involves addressing underlying factors such as socioeconomic status, systemic inequalities, and discrimination that may contribute to disparities in academic achievement. By promoting fairness, inclusivity, and equity in education and beyond, we can work towards reducing academic disparities and creating a more level playing field for all students.

Thriving Together is a program that will seek to improve STEAM exploration and the success of younger generations of students in Los Angeles. It will do so through direct interaction and intervention for students who are at risk of falling behind in their education in the form of a year-round youth development programming. One component that will make up the program presented is an afterschool center for the months of September through June. The afterschool segment will strive to breach the learning gap through offered in-person support for students grades K-12, and with the inclusion of various learning and teaching methods available to all students. In addition to this, it will offer activities relevant to the community it serves; these activities can range from gardening, to cooking, or music classes, to name a few. The Thriving Together program will also include a 7-week Summer STEAM Exploration camp for the months of June through August. There, youth will learn various educational concepts, apply them to daily life and career exploration, and finally explore through museums, parks, and recreational centers the learned ideas in a fun, exciting and engaging manner. These free resources are invaluable for our communities due to their economic standing, and the lack of available, accessible, and free resources in their communities.

Los Angeles is one of the nation's largest and most populated counties; the impact of this program is focused on minority and underserved groups who can then venture out into the world and create positive change that lasts. Thriving Together has seen the lasting benefits of positive and inclusive learning spaces with its youth. As a ripple effect, setting youth up for success guarantees that the younger generations will have reliable leaders that are capable of making positive impacts. Students learn the necessary skills for success, which can range from commutation skills, perseverance, team work, advocacy, civic duty, etc. They are then propelled into their respective careers where they are capable of leading and creating positive change. Some examples of youth that have come out of the proposed program are early childhood education teachers, student counselors, elementary grade teachers, engineering students, and more. Many of these youth come back to support our program annually.

Thriving Together is an existing program seeking to further its reach through a greater number of students served year-round. Measures of positive impact in the served youth can range from daily attendance to the program and total number of enrolled students; there are also multiple focus group reports that can indicate the impact of its programming. Another measure of success is the current grading system of report cards, which can indicate either an increase of grades, or, stable and consistent proficient grades. To mention more means of success, support for college level students comes in the forms of income to support their education, number of classes/credits enrolled, and completion of certifications. In addition to the educational benefits, youth can also increase overall mental, social and emotional health through a space for exploration of their strengths and skills. This can be measured through Hope/Resiliency scale - self-conducted surveys that assesses their state of being.