Grow & Glow STEAM Program

K-12 STEAM education

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

The Grow & Glow STEAM program aims to address the underrepresentation of young girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) fields. Many girls face societal and cultural barriers that diminish their confidence and interest in these subjects, leading to a significant gender gap in STEAM careers. Additionally, limited access to resources, mentors, and positive role models further exacerbates this issue. By providing hands-on STEAM workshops, leadership training, and mentorship, we seek to inspire and empower girls to pursue their interests in STEAM. Our program addresses these challenges by fostering curiosity, enhancing technical skills, and building confidence, ultimately preparing girls for successful futures in STEAM and helping to bridge the gender gap in these critical fields.

The Grow & Glow STEAM program, supported by this grant, will address the issue of underrepresentation of young girls in STEAM fields by providing comprehensive, engaging, and supportive learning experiences. This program is designed to inspire confidence, foster curiosity, and equip girls with the skills needed to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.
Key Components of the Grow & Glow STEAM Program:
1. Affirmations/Mindset sessions including reflections and mentorship circles to empower program participants. 2. Hands-On STEAM Workshops with Science experiments, technology skills, engineering challenges, art integration, and mathematics applications. 3. Leadership Training and Like Skills Sessions
4. Community Engagement: Service Projects and College and Career Fair 5. Wellness and Self-Care
By providing these comprehensive and supportive activities, the Grow & Glow STEAM program aims to build confidence, enhance technical skills, and foster a lifelong interest in STEAM among young girls, ultimately helping to bridge the gender gap in these fields.

If the Grow & Glow STEAM program is successful, Los Angeles County will see a significant increase in the number of young girls pursuing and excelling in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics fields. This will help bridge the gender gap in STEAM careers, fostering a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The community will benefit from the innovative contributions and leadership of these empowered young women. Increased confidence, problem-solving skills, and leadership abilities among participants will lead to higher educational attainment and career success. Furthermore, the program will promote a culture of mentorship and community support, enhancing overall social cohesion. As these girls grow into accomplished women, they will serve as role models and mentors for future generations. Los Angeles County will thus experience improved economic growth, greater innovation, and a stronger, more inclusive community as a result of this program's impact.

Success for the Grow & Glow STEAM program will be measured through both qualitative and quantitative metrics. Key performance indicators include:
1. Participant Engagement: Track attendance and participation rates in workshops, mentorship circles, and community service projects.
2. Skill Development: Pre- and post-program assessments to evaluate improvements in STEAM-related knowledge and skills.
3. Confidence and Interest: Surveys and interviews to measure increases in participants’ confidence and interest in STEAM subjects and careers.
4. Academic Performance: Monitor improvements in school grades and STEAM-related coursework.
5. Mentorship Impact: Feedback from participants on the value of mentorship and role model interactions.
6. Long-term Outcomes: Follow-up surveys to track participants’ pursuit of higher education and careers in STEAM fields.