STEM Ed for South LA

K-12 STEAM education

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

STEM Ed for South La tackles the substantial educational and opportunity gaps in math and science for students of color in South Los Angeles, who face systemic barriers to accessing quality STEM education and careers. Students of color are notably underrepresented in the STEM workforce, reflecting wider inequalities. Many local schools in South LA lack advanced STEM courses; only 65% offer Algebra II and 40% physics. Persistent achievement gaps between white students and Black and Latinx students are evident from as early as fourth grade. Additionally, challenges such as inadequate education, lack of role models, and insufficient preparatory courses are compounded by higher poverty rates and limited access to resources, hindering students' ability to engage in STEM effectively. Through targeted programs, resources, mentorship, and community engagement, STEM Ed for South LA strives to transform these barriers into opportunities for lifelong STEM career success.

STEM Ed for South LA addresses educational disparities in STEM for students of color in South Los Angeles through a series of innovative programs:
Digital One Room Schoolhouse (DORS): An online enrichment platform offering activities based on the scientific method to enabling real-world project application.
STEM Broadcasting Network (SBN): Provides live and recorded STEM lessons, games, tutoring, and guest lectures from STEM professionals to enhancing students' exposure to diverse career paths.
Girls Math Club: Supports girls with additional math help in an environment enriched by activities designed by female STEM professionals to fostering gender equity.
BioMed: Engages students in hands-on projects like designing medical devices and digital simulations to boosting critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Space Camp: We partner with NASA for immersive experiences in space exploration, combining academic learning with practical applications.
Think Like a Game Designer: Teaches game development and coding, essential skills in technology, through direct interaction with industry experts.
Virtual World Tour: Explores global cultures, geography, and science through virtual tours, broadening students' understanding of the world.
Each component is crafted to overcome educational barriers to offering high-quality STEM education in an inclusive environment, preparing students for academic and career success.

If STEM Ed for South LA succeeds, Los Angeles County will experience transformative changes:
Increased STEM Engagement: A broader engagement among students, especially those from underrepresented communities will lead to a new generation proficient in STEM and eager to learn.
Educational Equity: High-quality STEM education will help bridge the achievement gaps across racial and socioeconomic lines to ensure all students have equal opportunities to succeed.
Economic Opportunities: Enhanced education in STEM fields will prepare students for higher education and careers in these areas to boost economic mobility and prosperity for communities in South LA.
Community Empowerment: Inspire and empower younger generations to create a cycle of positive community impact and role models.
Innovation and Creativity: A diverse group of thinkers educated in STEM will likely increase innovation and creativity to position Los tools County as a leader in technological and scientific advancements.

STEM Ed for South LA aims to create a sustainable ecosystem where underrepresented students can thrive in STEM fields, ensuring long-term economic stability and innovation. Our goals include increasing STEM proficiency with significant test score improvements, boosting engagement by encouraging pursuit of STEM in higher education, & expanding career opportunities through local industry connections. Plans for scaling include geographic expansion to more schools, diversification with new tracks in cutting-edge fields, and developing partnerships with tech firms and universities for mentorship and resources. We measure success through performance and engagement metrics, as well as longitudinal studies on alumni career progression. Evidence shows enhanced student performance, positive community feedback, and successful partnerships. Our ongoing evaluation strategy will continuously refine the program to align with our goals to enhance STEM access and success for underrepresented students.

Calculus Roundtable plays a pivotal role in the STEM Ed for South LA initiative by leveraging its vast experience and extensive networks within the STEM field. Their contributions include:
Program Development and Delivery: Developing and refining STEM curricula, including the implementation of the Digital One Room Schoolhouse and STEM Broadcasting Network, equipped with the latest educational technologies.
Expertise and Resource Mobilization: Utilizing connections with organizations like NASA to bring experts, resources, and real-world STEM experiences to the students through workshops and guest lectures.
Evaluation and Impact Assessment: Assisting in the development and implementation of frameworks to measure and improve the impact of the initiatives based on analytical insights.