By Sarah Pillersdorf | Fund Development Administration Coordinator
STEM education is more than just science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It is an interdisciplinary and applied approach, coupled with real-world, problem-based learning.
Increasingly, After School Programs are recognized as playing a valuable role in improving science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. Here at Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, we know that young people - particularly those from low socio-economic circumstances, who we consider to be most "at-risk" - are failing during their school years to acquire needed critical skills to enable them to participate effectively and successfully in the 21st century world and workplaces.
Also key to encouraging the kind of creativity that enables innovation is arts education, which is why Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada added art into the mix, thereby transforming STEM into STEAM.
Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada believes that STEAM skills are important for all students, not just those aspiring to a career in science. Being STEAM-capable strengthens one’s ability to succeed in an innovation-based economy, and society in general. Acquiring such skills and knowledge are critical for all young people, so they can affect change in their own lives and in their communities. Doing so paves the way toward a more successful and sustainable future.
Our STEAM Ahead! program is designed to:
- Be a fun-centred, introductory experience for children and youth;
- Be aligned with national science standards and guidelines; and
- Be offered after school, so as to be accessible to all.
As our pilot year of the program has come to an end, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada has worked to improve it, to enable more children and youth to participate. In 2016, we have engaged new education consultants to update and add to the associated staff manualsas insurance that Club staff will be well prepared to train, teach, and support all participants.
In the upcoming weeks, our STEAM Ahead! program will recommence for 2016 - we are excited to be offering 10 new sites across the country!
Finally, based on feedback from last year, we have also enhanced the existing program by improving resource materials, including more extension activities, and involving more real life applications of engineering principles.
Please stay tuned for future updates about STEAM Ahead!, to see how the impact of your gift is benefitting and educating children and youth across Canada!
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