Mission Statement

We are a ten-member team from East Los Angeles Renaissance Academy. Our call to action is to celebrate STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Art, Math) and college awareness to our community. We are innovators that spark curiosity with engaging activities for all ages.  We share our excitement so students will pursue STEAM in their college and career pathways. Lastly, we empower others to find their strength and uniqueness, then take it up a notch to be the EXTRA DEGREE that makes a difference!

Project Needs

2015 California Census Bureau's Population Estimate indicated only 4.9% of East LA residents, 25 years and older, graduate with a Bachelor's degree or higher. ​We conducted our own survey to freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors students about their college goals and potential career pathways. The high school students who did indicate higher learning aspirations are less likely to attend college tours due to lack of transportation and travel funds. Thus, decreasing motivation to apply and potentially missing a life changing opportunity. Lastly, 58% of population surveyed did not know what STEAM stood for, let alone pursue STEAM careers.
Our team focused on addressing the importance of STEAM majors and careers. We also provide support to minimize fears and address misconceptions of science and math.  Finally, we want to shed light on opportunities offered with higher education.

Process

Working as an unit was the foundation of our project. Weekly meetings were an important step in our process to accomplish our goals. Each member of the team was responsible for a specific aspect of the project that align to their interests. Every Wednesday, our team met for a brief check in on our progress and to discuss new goals. Longer meetings were scheduled throughout the week where members came together to ensure the finalization of steps in our process. The budget and materials were based on the needs of the workshops ​​and presentations. We sought activities that were engaging and sustainable, such as DIY crafts. This allow the team to have meaningful dialogue with the participants at the festivals. When they take their handmade projects home, it then becomes a conversation piece to share families and friends.  Our outreach took place in around the community, such as local school and festivals. Fliers and posts on social media (Instagram and Twitter) were distributed prior to each event, as well as verbal invites. We continued with classroom workshops on campus and middle school throughout the year. This lead up to a culminating STEAM fair that aligns with Earth Day.

Timeline