Every child deserves an “aha” moment when it comes to learning – that instance of discovery. At Boys and Girls Club of Harlem, we see those joyful moments: watching a child figure out how to code her own computer game, or understand the science behind making a lava lamp, or calculate the distance of the lap he just ran.
The world our children are growing up in today demands that they be grounded in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). However, most of the young people we serve have limited access to digital technology. As a result, they are less likely to develop the skills, knowledge and interest needed for achievement in STEM careers. BGCHarlem is filling the gap by providing that access and nurturing discovery for Harlem youth. Engaging children in STEM now sets them up for success in the future.
This year, thanks to supporters like you, 350 children have been able to explore STEM through fun, hands-on activities that spark curiosity, nurture critical thinking, and foster mastery of essential STEM skills. With your generous support we can do even more.
A donation today, will help BGCHarlem give children the tools to reach their full potential.
The excitement our Club members feel when they see STEM concepts through real-life context is contagious. It’s a feeling that spurs us to make sure that more of our Club members can experience that same love of learning—especially of critical subjects like science, technology, engineering, and math.
In 2017, we partnered with leading corporations in the field, including Google, Apple and Verizon. Our staff training now includes innovative ways to weave STEM activities into our programming. In addition, we now have nearly 50 new volunteers to support these efforts. We have revised programming to provide four hours per week of STEM-focused activities at all four of our Clubs, while stepping up daily opportunities at our main site, PS186. The results have been transformative: elementary school grades have improved in reading comprehension, math and science, which boosted students’ confidence and increased participation across all club programs.
We have a simple goal as we move into the new year: STEM programming for all 700 of our Club Members. Reaching that goal sometimes means thinking outside the box and stepping outside the front door to engage them. We did that this year by partnering with several community-based organizations to host the Super Saturday STEM Expo, Harlem’s largest educational event. The Expo attracted more than 500 attendees, with 100 kids (including Club members) taking part in a Hack-a-Thon, a Lego Maze, 3D printing, and robotics. The Harlem community embraced the event, an affirmation of their commitment to our children’s futures.
Our community needs you. Won’t you join us in bringing STEM to every single child in our Harlem Clubs? Please donate now.
As we prepare to celebrate the holidays, I reflect on the past year and how much your support has meant to all of the children we serve. BGCHarlem has so much for which to be grateful, most especially you.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday and joyous New Year,
Dominique Jones
Executive Director
P.S. Let’s make next year more successful than the last. With your investment, even more of our kids will have those “aha” learning moments that open up new worlds of discovery.