Announcing – Stem Uncovered: Telling Our Afterschool Stories
2015 STEM Video Competition Winners
Every day a light goes on in a young person’s head as they grasp new concepts in science, mathematics, engineering and technology (STEM), all because an afterschool or summer learning program has created a hands-on experience where interests are sparked and passions are fueled. Through support from the Noyce Foundation and the C.S. Mott Foundation, we are pleased to announce we are one of the winners of the 2015 STEM Uncovered: Telling Our Afterschool Stories video competition.
Girlstart is one of six winners from across the country highlighted for their work in supporting innovative activities and helping their students in identifying with STEM careers. Other winners include the ACE Youth Project (CT), First Robotics Team 4057 (OR), Graduation Generation Zero Robotics (GA), Dimension Learning (NY), and Princeton YWCA (NJ).
“It was a unique opportunity for afterschool and summer programs to tell us the stories about the difference they are making for kids and their organizations,” said Ron Ottinger, Executive Director of the Noyce Foundation. “Their innovative efforts are sparking kids’ STEM interests and inspiring more youth to consider careers in these fields.”
By the year 2020, almost two thirds of jobs will require postsecondary education or training, with nearly 80 percent of careers requiring some STEM skills. Not only does STEM programming help kids to develop the skills necessary to be successful for a 21st century workforce, but STEM-focused afterschool programs also engage students who have been otherwise turned off by education.
STEM programs are like charging stations that power up kids’ learning. These six winning videos shine a spotlight on the great work that is happening in the STEM field and sharing how their program is uncovering STEM learning and inspiring kids to build, create, explore and dream.
“We’re proud to be selected as one of the Noyce Foundation and C.S. Mott Foundation’s video competition winners,” said Girlstart deputy director Julie Shannan. “Preparing the video gave us the chance to reflect on how engaged Girlstart girls are in our summer camp programs and in how much fun they have while they’re learning, which we believe comes through in the video. It was also rewarding to feature young women who have moved on to STEM studies in college after being inspired by what they learned and experienced through Girlstart.”
Visit stemvideocompetition.org to learn about the competition and view the winning videos. For more information about Girlstart, visit the program’s official website, www.girlstart.org.