Science, Technology Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM)

 Access to “Out of School” learning experiences can play a prominent role in introducing low-income students to STEM projects and leading them down a pathway to a STEM career. After-school programs encourage alternative ways of learning complex material related to math and science  (National Research Council, Learning Science in Informal Environments, 2009).  

The NRC study has shown that after school STEM program participants begin to think about themselves as science learners and develop identities as young people for whom science matters. These outcomes are critical to students’ development and career formation.

HOC’s low-income student population is compounded not only with the daunting career options facing all American youth who are not highly skilled in Science, Math, Engineering and Technology, but also with the odds of overcoming the achievement gap that exists between low income and the more affluent. According to Stanford University sociologist, Sean F. Reardon, the achievement gap among the poor and the rich is double the gap between black and white children.

Our modern workforce is increasingly STEM driven. And so, simply providing homework clubs is not enough. Our Kids’ STEM program has shown very encouraging results.  HOC’s low-income, at-risk youth not only need, but more importantly want to pursue STEM activities in order to succeed in today’s classroom.

Each year Community Partners, Inc. in collaboration with HOC, coordinates out-of-school programs that bring STEAM activities in robotics, scientific research, STEM career exploration and cultural arts to low-income youth. Whether virtual or in-person, the activities take place both after school and on Saturdays. Trained instructors teach HOC youth a variety of skills in everything from building robots and conducting science experiments to artistic expression with technology and cultural arts projects in dance, art, and videography.