In 2017, the U.S. Department of Commerce noted that STEM employment is growing at a much faster rate than non-STEM employment, and STEM job growth is expected to continue to outpace non-STEM growth through 2024. In 2018, Nico Grant of Bloomberg News highlighted the racial disparities in Silicon Valley and the software industry in general. While Black people represent 13 percent of the US population overall, in many Silicon Valley companies, only 1 to 2 percent of employees are Black. The concern here is that children of color are being left behind in the STEM field thus reducing their chances of being able to compete in this job market.
S.E.E.K STEAM Makers Space is a direct response to the disparities affecting people of color in STEM. Our 2-year goal is to renovate a space, pilot an immersive technology club; engage minority children with STEM employers using practical equipment; provide a passion for Augmented and Mixed Reality in motorsports amongst other careers, so that students of color from low-income neighborhoods may choose a career path in STEM as the workforce constantly changes with technology. Furthermore, we aim to provide opportunities to middle and high school students to obtain a certificate and or internship in a STEM field.
Leaders & Partners
Impact
"I have two boys, whose been in sports since they were about 4 or 5 years old. When COVID-19 hit in 2020, we had to remove them from sports. it was almost like life was over for them. I remember we started attending STEAMtastic Saturdays and their first couple Saturdays, it was like they ate glue sandwiches. They would not open their mouths or participate, or nothing. Then today, I see them giving presentations on their robotics program, talking about coding. I was like 'Wait a minute, are these my children?!' Ms. Anike has given me two new children who love robotics, love STEM, STEAM and I am just so grateful for everything. "
Current Metrics
S.E.E.K has serviced over 10,000 children since 2012
85% of youth showed learning gains in STEM and other academic subjects.
511 Completed STEM Projects
Impact
"I have two boys, whose been in sports since they were about 4 or 5 years old. When COVID-19 hit in 2020, we had to remove them from sports. it was almost like life was over for them. I remember we started attending STEAMtastic Saturdays and their first couple Saturdays, it was like they ate glue sandwiches. They would not open their mouths or participate, or nothing. Then today, I see them giving presentations on their robotics program, talking about coding. I was like 'Wait a minute, are these my children?!' Ms. Anike has given me two new children who love robotics, love STEM, STEAM and I am just so grateful for everything. "
Current Metrics
S.E.E.K has serviced over 10,000 children since 2012
85% of youth showed learning gains in STEM and other academic subjects.
511 Completed STEM Projects
Goals
Demographic
We serve minority youth from under resourced communities, attending Title 1 schools, on free and or reduced lunch.
Funding Goal
We are seeking $600,000 to renovate a one level building to a second level structure that would allow us to provide at least 100 students space where they can create products using the latest immersive technology and robotic equipment.
Impact Goal
This project aims to provide at least 500 minority students access and opportunities to internships in immersive technology within 5 years.
