TGR STEAM Satellite

K-12 STEAM education

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

In 2022, the National Assessment of Educational Progress surveyed public schools across America and found that 79% of 4th graders attended schools WITHOUT laboratory facilities and 23% received less than two hours of science instruction per week. Meanwhile, 42% of 8th graders reported NEVER participating in inquiry-based scientific classroom activities, or doing so only occasionally, and 34% reported that NO TIME or VERY LITTLE TIME was spent learning about life science, Earth and space sciences or engineering and technology. The statistics are often even worse for youth of color who attend public schools in under-resourced communities. Limited access to STEAM curriculum and opportunities to learn through hands-on activities are significant educational barriers with life-long consequences. Youth who are not meaningfully exposed to STEAM have fewer chances to discover their passions, develop valuable skills and pursue career pathways with greater job stability and higher wages.

The TGR STEAM Satellite will address vital needs of students from under-resourced communities in Los Angeles by providing scientific resources and opportunities that are rarely available in schools, experiential programming that restores excitement for learning and exposure to career pathways in STEAM industries. Students will learn computer science and coding through Raspberry Pi. They will explore the technology that underpins artificial intelligence. They will design their own video games. They will compete in competition-based activities focused on drones and robotics. They will have access to a makerspace, where they will be able to experiment and innovate. Relevant and actionable career pathways in high-growth industries will be intentionally interwoven into these enrichment opportunities and the additional offerings that will be provided. According to the Pew Research Center, only 17% of STEM professionals identify as Black or Hispanic, the primary racial/ethnic groups that will be served by the TGR STEAM Satellite. The programs provided will motivate students to consider STEM careers, which typically offer significantly higher wages when compared to non-STEM careers and increased job security. College is a perceived barrier to STEM careers, however, 59% of STEM professionals do not hold a baccalaureate degree. Through the TGR STEAM Satellite, students will also be introduced to pathways that can be attained through certification and/or skilled trade programs.

In 2026, the TGR Learning Lab Los Angeles (“TGRLL-LA”) will open in Westchester near LAX. The 25,000 sq. ft. educational facility will feature dynamic classrooms with the latest technologies and dedicated spaces for academic support and creative expression, such as a multimedia lab and a makerspace. The TGRLL-LA will provide STEAM educational enrichment and other programming year-round to thousands of students from surrounding under-resourced communities annually. Professional development for local educators will also be offered, furthering the reach and impact of the TGRLL-LA.
Thus, the TGR STEAM Satellite marks just the beginning of TGRF’s plans to impact Los Angeles. Its experiential programming will start the process of empowering more students to pursue STEAM careers, which they will be able to expand upon at the TGRLL-LA. Ultimately, these efforts will lead to more Angelenos attaining meaningful work, increased diversity in the workforce and the revitalization of local economies.

At the TGR Learning Lab Anaheim, surveys aligned with desired intermediate outcomes and key performance indicators are administered at the conclusion of STEAM-based expanded learning programs to measure qualitative success. Participants are asked to denote whether they strongly disagree, disagree, neither disagree or agree, agree or strongly agree with provided statements such as: - In this program, I learn new information about a topic that interests me. - Being in this program helps me feel confident about trying new things. - In this program, I learn about careers I can have in the future. In 2023, 77% of participants became more knowledgeable about a topic of interest, 70% felt more confident when stepping outside of their comfort zones and 77% became more aware about possible career pathways. Similar qualitative outcomes can be expected from TGR STEAM Satellite programming, which will use the same measurement methodologies.