OST STEAM Education for West LA Youth

K-12 STEAM education

West LA

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

SMBGC has served the West Los Angeles community for over 80 years, providing high-quality OST programs to more than 2,000 youth annually. We know there is a growing need to provide youth with robust STEAM education and aim to increase access to STEAM programs and careers. People of color and girls continue to be underrepresented in STEM fields nationally (Pew Research Center, 2021). Additionally, the United States is facing a projected shortage of 1.3 million STEM professionals by 2030. For these reasons early engagement in STEAM is critical, especially for Club kidsconsidering 68% identify as youth of color and 45% identify as girls (Semiconductor Industry Association and Oxford Economics, 2023). By exposing Club kids to STEAM programs and career experiences, we can equip Los Angeles youth with the skills necessary to become the next generation of STEAM professionals.

SMBGC respectfully seeks grant funding to expand STEAM learning and workforce development for 800 West Los Angeles youth. With kids spending approximately 80% of their time outside of the classroom, OST programs like SMBGC are uniquely positioned to reinforce academic learning and spark interest in STEAM. At the Club, youth participate in hands-on, age-appropriate activities such as digital literacy, coding, robotics, internet safety, and STEAM projects. To deepen and expand this work, we propose a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach. Key activities include:
Evidence-Based STEAM Curriculum: SMBGC will adopt an evidence-based STEAM curriculum to implement across all Club locations as the cornerstone of our programming.
STEAM-Focused Workforce Readiness: SMBGC will collaborate with local partner organizations to expose youth to different STEAM-related college and career pathways. This will include college and workplace tours, guest speakers, internships, and apprenticeships.
Professional Development: To further strengthen our impact, we will provide ongoing professional development to staff focused on STEAM instruction, facilitation skills, and emerging STEAM competencies.
Together, these activities will equip youth with the tools, experiences, and inspiration they need to pursue STEAM learning and careers.

This project will build a more innovative and equitable Los Angeles County by preparing youth for high-demand STEAM careers. Through year-round programs, we will: inspire youth to pursue STEAM pathways; equip youth with technical and soft skills needed to succeed in high-demand STEAM careers; provide access to tools, technology, mentors, and real-world experiences; and spark innovation and confidence in the next generation of creators and problem-solvers. We envision a future where all youth, especially those who have been historically underrepresented in STEAM, have the skills and support to thrive.
This work is both scalable and sustainable. The selected curriculum will be adapted across age groups, while offering ongoing staff training ensures long-term program quality. By deepening partnerships with local colleges, companies, and organizations, we will continue to connect youth to meaningful opportunities that benefit them and the broader Los Angeles community for years to come.