STEM Generation

STEM Generation tackles inequities in early childhood learning opportunities. Teachers at high-needs schools teach the *process* for doing science and engineering by facilitating our donated Science Fair Fun Project Kits. Children develop both their leadership and STEM skills and are empowered to participate in their Science & Engineering Fair. STEM professionals engage with under-served children during their fairs as role models. Children identify as STEM-capable and know "Hey, I can do STEM!" PROBLEM Inequities in early childhood learning are systemic. Colorado children experience these inequities firsthand. 41% of Colorado Public School children and 69% of Denver Public School children live in poverty. They will experience 4 fewer academic years of learning by 6th grade than their peers through after-school and summer camp enrichment programs alone. Additionally, students – particularly girls – begin to identify as STEM-capable or -incapable as early as 3rd grade, while elementary school teachers have the greatest need for STEM support. Children facing socioeconomic hardship: * Experience fewer hand-on STEM projects. * Score significantly lower in school. * Are less likely to identify as STEM-capable. OUR PROGRAMS TEACH SCIENCE FAIR FUN Empowers teachers to inspire students to develop leadership & STEM skills through donated In-class STEM Project Kits that teach students the *process* for doing science & engineering. IMPLEMENT SCIENCE FAIR FUN Lays the foundation for 21st Century skills-based Science & Engineering Fairs and engages diverse STEM professionals with children as role models so they can identify, "I can be an engineer like her/him".