STEM Explorers
STEM Explorers is an engaging after-school program for high school students, designed to spark curiosity and nurture a lifelong passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences, students dive into real-world STEM applications, exploring complex problems, conducting experiments, and developing innovative solutions. By fostering a supportive and stimulating learning environment, STEM Explorers empowers students to envision themselves as future innovators, engineers, scientists, and change-makers.
Our program is built to spark curiosity, fuel ambition, and open doors to exciting futures in STEM. Each month, students take part in dynamic, hands-on workshops that go beyond textbooks, immersing them in real-world science, technology, engineering, and math experiences. These interactive sessions are carefully designed to inspire students to pursue STEM degrees while helping them develop practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and confidence in their own potential.
Participants don’t just learn about STEM—they experience it firsthand by connecting with industry professionals, college students, and mentors who share their journeys and provide guidance. From exploring cutting-edge innovations to discovering career pathways, students are exposed to endless opportunities and empowered to dream big. With every workshop, they build a strong foundation for success in college and beyond, transforming their curiosity into a passion for creating change in the world through STEM.
Program Design
Workshops are facilitated once a month by STEM-certified instructors and designed to inspire and prepare participants to pursue a course of study that leads to undergraduate degrees in STEM-based fields of study. Program activities are exciting and interesting and focus on a variety of topics including environmental science, sustainability, engineering, nanotechnology, physics and energy. The participants also receive practical advice and encouragement about pursing a STEM degree by interacting with Latina and Latino STEM mentors and role models. By connecting participants with minority engineers, technologists, and other professionals, STEM Explorers' students are presented with new pathways and opportunities in STEM fields.
Program Impact
For spring and summer 2020, the STEM Explorers program served 21 Latino students, consisting of 52% male and 48% female, at Hillsboro High School in Hillsboro, Oregon. Students were exposed to over 35 hours of STEM-focused curriculum. The summer component, as part of the four-week Migrant and Dual Language Program, offered one week of STEM instruction (five two-hour sessions). In 2020-21, the program was relocated to Albuquerque, NM
Testimonials
"Participating in the STEM Explorers Program was a great experience for me. Since the program was virtual, my favorite thing was learning about sharing documents on the Google platform. The Fossil Forensics and National Museum of Nuclear Science and History tour were very interesting and I learned a lot from them. Overall this was a great learning opportunity. I am very glad that I was able to participate in these activities."
− Vianey, Valley High School
"I really enjoyed the STEM Explores program because it showed me many of the careers that are available in the science field. I also enjoyed learning about technology and how to use google because it has really helped me with my school work."
- Joseph, Valley High School
Locations
Partner
