STREAM Sports + Entertainment Expo EXP

K-12 STEAM education

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

Los Angeles faces significant educational disparities, particularly in its under-resourced communities. Students in these areas often lack access to quality STEM education due to inadequate funding, insufficient resources, and a shortage of trained teachers. This educational gap is further compounded by the limited exposure to interactive and experiential learning opportunities that can foster engagement and interest in STEM fields. As a result, many students from low-income backgrounds are not adequately prepared for the demands of higher education and the modern workforce. Furthermore, these students often lack access to mentors and career guidance, which are crucial for navigating their future educational and professional paths. Addressing these disparities is essential to ensure that all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background, have the opportunity to succeed and contribute to the vibrant economy of Los Angeles.

The grant will support the "STREAM Sports and Entertainment Expo," an innovative program designed to address the educational disparities faced by middle and high school students from under-resourced communities in Los Angeles and Long Beach. This initiative will be hosted in partnership with California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) and aims to provide an engaging, hands-on learning experience that highlights the critical roles of Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Manufacturing (STREAM) in the dynamic fields of sports and entertainment.

STREAM Sports and Entertainment Expo will serve 500 to 1000 middle and high school students from under-served communities in Los Angeles and Long Beach, Los Angeles County will see significant positive changes. The Expo will enhance educational outcomes by sparking interest in STREAM subjects through hands-on, interactive learning, leading to better academic performance and higher graduation rates. Exposure to the college campus will inspire students to pursue higher education, increasing college enrollment rates. This initiative will connect the educational opportunity gap, promote economic growth by creating a more skilled workforce, and strengthen community bonds through collaborative support for education. Overall, the Expo will foster a more equitable, engaged, and prosperous Los Angeles County, where all students have the opportunity to succeed academically and professionally.

To define and measure the success of the proposed STREAM Sports and Entertainment Expo EXP, we will use both quantitative and qualitative metrics. Quantitatively, we will track the number of attendees, aiming to serve between 500 to 1000 students, and measure engagement by analyzing interactions between students and corporate partners. Qualitatively, we will use student surveys to determine if their career interests have expanded and if they feel more enthusiastic and happy to learn in class. We will also collect feedback from teachers and industry partners to assess the effectiveness of the program. Increased student engagement, expanded career interests, and positive feedback from stakeholders will indicate the Expo's success in inspiring and preparing students for future educational and career opportunities.