About the Program
STeAM in the Delta
In the past 30 years, STEM and computer industry employment has increased 79% and 338%, respectively. Yet, African Americans remain under-represented in STEM education and careers, often due to longstanding gender, socioeconomic, and cultural disparities impeding academic success. This issue is exacerbated in Arkansas, particularly in the Delta region, where a disproportionate number of people are in poverty and fall below the educational attainment levels of the U.S.
Our project addresses this issue by creating a grade-wide STeAM Education Program to potentially replicate in rural, underresourced communities across the Delta and beyond.
Our Approach
We use the acronym “STeAM” over “STEM” because of STeAM’s integration of “Art,” which we see as an opportunity to broaden students’ knowledge base and to incorporate problem solving using the creativity emphasized in art.
Our approach utilizes hands-on, experiential learning methods and comprehensive support through teacher professional development, lab equipment, and mentorship. We also provide financial education and savings accounts to participants and their families.