Sparking Innovation in LGBTQ+ Youth

K-12 STEAM education

West LA

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

Rainbow Labs’ Innovation Lab addresses the barriers LGBTQ+/BIPOC youth face in accessing STEAM learning and careers. LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to feel unsafe at school and lack caring adults, with trans youth reporting higher mental health risks. Fewer than five of 5,000 U.S. mentoring programs serve LGBTQ+ youth. These inequities continue into adulthood: 46% of LGBTQ+ workers hide their identities, and LGBTQ+ individuals earn 10% less than cis peers. Lesbians Who Tech highlights a lack of social capital in tech fields. These disparities begin early, BIPOC LGBTQ+ youth face educator bias and limited STEAM access. While students of color pursue STEAM at similar rates, only 34% complete degrees, compared to 58% of white students. Innovation Lab offers identity-affirming STEAM learning, mentorship, and access to technology to close these gaps and build futures.

The Innovation Lab is a 12-week, school-based STEAM mentorship program designed for LGBTQ+ students and allies. Programming is held twice a week for 90 minutes. The program begins with four weeks of foundational skills in coding, robotics, digital storytelling, and creative technologies, taught by LGBTQ+ adults with expertise in STEAM disciplines. Weeks 5–11 focus on individual or small-group creative tech projects. Students work with the support of paid LGBTQ+ artist mentors who guide the process, helping them apply technical knowledge while exploring themes of identity, innovation, and social impact. In week 12, the program culminates in a public student showcase where participants present their work to peers, school staff, families, and community members.
Recruitment happens through classroom presentations, lunch takeovers, and referrals from counselors. Outreach ensures visibility and accessibility for LGBTQ+ students, especially those who may not traditionally participate in tech or extracurricular offerings.
Students also participate in two field trips to workplaces such as SiriusXM or Disney Imagineering, which extend learning beyond the classroom and introduce real-world applications of their skills. Throughout the program, LGBTQ+ mentors and facilitators model representation in STEAM and provide a supportive learning environment. All supplies, transportation, and meals are covered by the program to remove barriers to participation.

If successful, the Innovation Lab will expand access to inclusive STEAM education for LGBTQ+ youth across Los Angeles County. After piloting the program at Alain LeRoy Locke High School in South LA, we are now expanding to Fairfax High School to serve a new cohort of students with project-based learning, mentorship, and real-world tech exposure. Our vision is to create school-based Innovation Labs that center identity, creativity, and career readiness. Students will leave the program with technical skills, confidence, and networks that support future success. In the long term, we aim to replicate this model across additional County schools in historically underserved communities. As more LGBTQ+ youth access affirming STEAM programs, we anticipate increased academic engagement, improved mental wellness, and greater representation in creative and tech industries countywide.