May 2024 NEWSLETTER

Full STEAM Forward is dedicated to promoting equity in science education by engaging girls of color, from underserved communities, in STEAM enrichment programs designed to foster a sustained passion for the sciences.

Dear Friends,

At Full STEAM Forward, we believe that our educators are the heart and soul of our mission. They inspire, nurture, and empower our students every day, fostering a passion for discovery and a love for science. This month, we're excited to shine a spotlight on some of our amazing STEAM educators and express our deepest appreciation to our entire team for their dedication, hard work, and impact.

With gratitude,

Joni Bessler

CEO, Full STEAM Forward

Meet Some of Our Dedicated Teachers and College-aged Mentors!

Tara makes sure that every student has a memorable time in her classes!

Tara Walker: In-person Teacher, Years 1 & 2

It's important to Tara that she teaches her students science on their level, creates a lasting impression, and ensures that her students are having fun while learning. Tara has been a 5th and 6th grade STEM educator at a Friendship Public Charter School in Washington DC for the last 6 years.

Tara loves teaching the FSF labs and hands-on projects to her young scholars in an enriching learning environment.

Liza loves teaching STEAM and watching how students flourish within FSF’s experiential programming as they encounter and absorb novel discoveries and knowledge.

Liza Aponte: Online Teacher, Year 1

Liza's teaching career started in 2001, as a general education classroom teacher. In 2012, she engaged in a STEM initiative facilitated by the New York Institute of Technology and then helped lead her school's transition to a comprehensive science curriculum which is now developing into a comprehensive STEAM program.

She loves creating, making, and tinkering. When Liza is not in the classroom, she loves traveling to different places and immersing herself in the study of its historical context. For Liza's 40th birthday she even ran a half-marathon.

Simone met former president Obama when she was a college student working as a canvasser for his campaign!

Simone Hyater-Adams: In-person Teacher

Simone's own journey in STEAM is a big motivating factor for her. She has always loved both arts and sciences and made a decision to walk down a non-traditional path in order to pursue both passions professionally. Simone doesn't think many students realize how common it is for people to do both science and art, and she is passionate about sharing her enthusiasm with her students through the STEAM classes she teaches. Simone is currently learning how to play the guitar and write songs! She's even learning how to do the audio engineering parts. It's been a fun way for Simone to connect her love for physics and music.

Simone hopes her students remember that doing science can be fun, and that if you look, you will see science everywhere (even in the arts!). She wants her students to be excited for their next science class!

Meet Our Teaching Team

Kayli's one piece of encouraging advice to parents is to continue to support their child's curiosity. STEAM is everywhere and in everything, and their curiosity will take them very far.

Kayli Mediratta: Lead Mentor

Kayli is passionate about all things education and has been on her own personal educational journey. Teaching STEAM and working with students is an amazing opportunity that keeps her motivated and inspired as a STEAM educator.

The greatest challenge Kayli has encountered as an educator is balancing student engagement while keeping lessons relevant and impactful. To meet this challenge, Kayli regularly meets with our VP of Education, Dr. Jacquie Horgan, to brainstorm ideas for keeping the sessions fresh and impactful.

A unique fact about Kayli that her students may not know is that she has traveled to 34 countries. Kayli's greatest hope for her students is that they remain interested in education and continue learning because learning never stops and can open so many doors for them!

Téa enjoys empowering young girls to develop a love of learning and to discover the ways that STEAM can be exciting, fun, and interesting.

Téa Bartlett: Online Mentor, Years 1 & 2

Téa has loved math since she was a kid, especially logic puzzles. Growing up, that love transformed into a broader love of puzzles — including math problems and scientific questions about life and the world. Téa has also been heavily involved with activism and teaching since high school. In her freshman year of college, one of her classmates told her about Full STEAM Forward, and she's been working as a mentor for our program ever since!

Outside of teaching, Téa loves crafting and creating new things from scratch. She also dabbles in graphic design and is a competitive archer!

Our College Mentoring Program

Why Do Girls Need Role Models?

At Full STEAM Forward, we understand the profound impact that teachers, mentors, and guest speakers can have on a child's academic journey and personal growth. In our classes, our teachers also serve as mentors, guiding students through challenges while inspiring our girls to reach their full potential. Mentorship provides students with the guidance, support, and encouragement they need to navigate their educational and career paths. Our mentors help students set goals, develop critical thinking skills, and build confidence. The relationships formed through these experiences can lead to lasting positive influences in our students' futures.

Having role models in STEAM fields is particularly important for young girls of color. Interacting with diverse educators and STEAM professionals who come from similar backgrounds and have achieved great things in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics, helps them believe that they too can succeed in these areas. Role models provide tangible proof that hard work and perseverance can lead to success.

We are grateful to our STEAM educators and guest speakers for going above and beyond in their support of our students. Their passion and commitment helps us create a nurturing environment where our girls feel valued and inspired to pursue their interest in STEM. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and relentless pursuit of excellence on behalf of our young scholars.

The Reviews Are In and We Couldn’t Be Happier!

Hear from our students about their experience with FSF

“I want to be a teacher like Ms. Liza and Ms. Téa.”

“I had an amazing time with Ms. Walker. I can't wait to do it next year.”

“The program is amazing! It helps us learn so much and helps us know a lot! Thank you for making this program!”

“Something I want to say is this program is the best program in the whole wide universe.”

“It is the best and I love the teachers.”

“it is so cool because like we get to learn more stuff than we do in school and everybody is so” “nice and cool… the teachers are nice this program is a 10/10 and will join again”

“I love this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Thank You To Our Sponsors

Full STEAM Forward's work would not be possible without the financial backing of our sponsors and community partners. Thank you for your support of our mission!