AWARD YEAR: 2024

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF HENDERSON CO. / HENDERSONVILLE, INC.

DIRECTOR: WILLIAM HORN

PROJECT TITLE: SEEDS2STEMS

Seeds2STEMs is a formal restructuring of our STEM programming which upgrades our capacity to create memorable educational experiences that drive positive academic performance in STEM subjects for our members. Our intention with this program is to evolve our provision vectors into six component programs, each of which is designed to target a specific interactivity level for our two main grade brackets, K-5 and 6-12. Since our primary service demographic consists of at-risk youth, many of whom are from schools with D or F state ratings for student STEM outcomes, the Boys & Girls Club is a frontline operator for addressing systemic inequalities in access to quality STEM education in Henderson County. Seeds2STEMs seeks to empower that impact through greater program depth, more engaging experiences, higher quality content, improved tutoring, and new opportunities for members to excel. The six component programs enabled by this enhancement vehicle are as follows: - STEM Tutoring: Members who are identified as low-performing in STEM subjects will receive individualized, targeted tutoring support. - Science Stories: Engaging science demonstrations will render abstract concepts tangible and accessible to youth. - Game Designers: Block coding exercises using MIT's Scratch software will provide introductory programming experience. - Tech Toys: Constructor kits and educational electronics allow structured play that teaches STEM concepts. - Earth Explorers: Learning trips that make use of community resources allow for youth to understand the world around them through an enriched, expert-driven perspective. - PiProgrammers: The Raspberry Pi integrated hardware/software ecosystem is a premier platform for teaching teens crucial technology skills.

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