Compton Families Power Ahead Full STEAM!

K-12 STEAM Education

South LA

Expand existing project, program, or initiative

Systemic racism impacts Compton's youth creating critical disparities in employment, earning potentials, and education. Compton's residents are 69.3% Hispanic, 27.1% Black, 22.3% White, and 13.8% Biracial (U.S. Census Bureau). Residents have an average median income of $38, 235 for men and $36, 632 for women, with a poverty rate of 20.6% (ACS, 2020). Only 62.1% of residents have a high school degree or higher compared to 79.8% of Los Angeles County (LAC). Only 9.3% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher compared to 33.5% of LAC. STEM occupations continue to be the fastest growing within the workforce across the US (BLS, 2017). Despite comprising 27% of the US population, only 11% of science and engineering jobs are held by Black, Latinx, and Native American workers (NSF, 2018). Houses of STEAM was established to broaden opportunities for BIPOC students, address low earning potential due to lack of exposure to STEM careers and increase student numbers pursuing these careers.

Houses of STEAM (HOS) is a supplemental academic program for 50 K-6 Compton youth & their families to experience STEAM education through hands-on training, building projects, attending field trips and speaking with BIPOC professionals in STEAM career fields. A unique feature of the program is the inclusion of parents/guardians and other family members. The entire family is encouraged to participate, elevating the STEAM experience, creating opportunities for families to engage in educational activities, further cementing their knowledge and excitement of STEAM careers. The goal of HOS is to broaden STEAM opportunities for BIPOC students, increase earning potential through exposure to STEAM careers and increase student numbers pursuing these careers upon high school and college graduation. Yearly, HOS offers 17 STEAM learning experiences like Biosciences, Oceanography, Aerospace, Creative Arts, Mechanical Engineering, Math Education, Engineering, and Digital Technology. Learning experiences are facilitated by professionals in the respective fields. After attending a learning experience, students wanting more experience with a specific field will be directed to a professional mentor or online resource for further learning. All instruction includes evidence-based content which is aligned with industry standards. HOS will provide tablets for participant use during learning experiences and at home, allowing participants to dive deeper into specific topics of interest.

Long Term Goals Cohorts will: increase earning potential thru STEAM careers & contribute significantly to decreasing the poverty rate be eligible for STEAM internships decreasing employment rate and increasing the number of BIPOC STEAM career professionals learn industry certifications increasing employability experience a 100% high school graduation rate drastically increasing academic & economic opportunities for BIPOC adults expand to include more Compton K-6 students & families Short Term Goals (10/2023 to 10/2024) Cohorts will: explore, create & work together in families/small groups become proficient in CA standards mathematical/scientific vocabulary participate 90%+ of the learning experiences increase student interest in STEAM fields to 80%+ experience a higher student daily average school attendance continue learning thru UEC's STEAM programming for grades 7-12 Each HOS cohort will be supported thru our After School Program in algebra & advanced math and sciences.

The macro long term goal is a better overall quality of life & contribution to society for all participants. Impact is measured through pre/post assessments, listening sessions & student report cards. Pre/post assessments are in these areas: knowledge of subject matter, frequency of engagement, project completion, field trip attendance & level of curiosity through inquiry. Results from pre/post assessments, listening sessions & student report cards: Participants average field trip & learning experience attendance: 85%. increased STEAM vocabulary & scientific procedures: 87% used art, math & science to hypothesize & solve problems:100% completed 100% of projects are interested in advanced trainings and skills: 100% Areas of Improvement include: Participants desire less virtual instruction: 100% desire more hands-on instruction: 100% are interested in more field trips: 100% desire more opportunities to speak with STEAM BIPOC professionals: 100% require additional math tutoring: 82%