LA Makerspace's science & technology after-school programs provide hands-on, project-based learning on topics ranging from climate science & local biology to robotics & programming, for over 100 Downtown Los Angeles junior high and high school students. These fun and interactive programs build core scientific knowledge, enable students to drive through their own learning, and bring curiosity back to education.
Shop classes are being cut throughout Los Angeles Unified School District, and science labs are often under-equipped and under-staffed. Although junior high and high school students are learning basic science concepts in their normal school classes, but they often don't see how those concepts relate to the real world, and to their lives and possible future jobs. This project would bring hands-on, real-world knowledge & skills to over 100 Downtown Los Angeles youth through afterschool programs.
The afterschool programs at Los Angeles Makerspace provide real-life, hands-on, project-based learning in science and technology for junior high and high school students in Downtown LA, through activities ranging from citizen science & climatology to robotics & programming. While kids have an innate curiosity about these subjects, they often do not have access to resources and guidance. The LA Makerspace programs provide mentorship, community, and equipment to these underprivileged students.
These after-school programs will educate over 100 Downtown Los Angeles students in hands-on science and technology skills that are job-transferable. But even bigger than that, these programs will allow students to follow their curiosity, and to learn grit & perseverance. Scientific and technological endeavors fail most of the time - and that's part of the experience. The students in these programs will be able to learn from mistakes, not to be discouraged from those mistakes - to feel capable.
