STEMS4Girls, INC. a COMMUNITY based AFTERSCHOOL STEM PROGRAM
Our Founder
Our founder, Kaye Crawford, is a first-generation college graduate on a mission to increase the representation of women of color in science, technology, engineering, and math studies and careers (STEM) and provide greater access to afterschool STEM project-based learning opportunities that will inspire the next generation of young girls to sustain STEM practices throughout their education and career. Through her educational and work experiences, she understands the necessity of having committed mentors who can nurture and help children and youth explore their STEM identity and choose a STEM field of study throughout their education.
Our Goal
Our goal is to ensure that every child, especially those young girls living in underserved communities with limited financial resources have an opportunity to access and be exposed to and engaged in STEM related activities outside of the classroom and their homes. We believe interest and awareness about their STEM identity has the potential to improve their critical thinking skills that will benefit them in the classroom and beyond.
OUR VISION
The vision of STEMS4 is to create safe spaces where learners can explore STEM careers, gain education, and develop their STEM skills. The program aims to provide sustainable STEM-related resources from business industries, the community, and local organizations, along with enrichment activities, snacks, and lunch on Saturdays from10:00 am to 3:00 pm. It also offers free tutoring to support participants' academic goals. These services have proven effective in increasing interest in STEM education. Additionally, the vision of STEMS4Girls, Inc. is to address educational and resource disparities in underserved and communities in Leon County by fostering STEM-related concepts and providing hands-on learning opportunities in areas with limited access, exposure, and engagement outside of school hours and the home. With support from the local community, corporate, private, and government grants, we aspire to build a state-of-art STEM facility. This facility will provide a safe space, especially for girls with less than a 2.5 GPA, giving them access to diverse science and technology activities, educators, tutors, and professionals to inspire them to explore their STEM interests. Through a structured, data-driven design and support system, we will develop activities aligned with state standards to nurture their STEM identity, ensure they maintain academic competency leading to higher education and career opportunities in science and technology, and sustain STEM practices throughout their education and career.