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STEMS4Girls®, Inc. Newsletter | OPPORTUNITY - ACCESS - EXPOSURE - ENGAGEMENT |
| What's Up - One Step Back and Two Steps Forward | | |
Our Mission Statement: Increase the representation of women in science, technology, engineering, and math studies (STEMS) careers and to promote greater access to afterschool science and technology enrichment activities and resources in all communities, regardless of zip code.
Our Motto: "Turn stumbling blocks into ladders"
| | From Our Board Members and Volunteers | |
It's been a while since our last newsletter in December, but we're thrilled to reconnect! Over the past months, STEMS4Girls has been hard at work evaluating our impact over the last seven years in areas like capacity and sustainability, partnerships, volunteerism, and our STEM literacy program. Our organizational restructuring plan is nearly complete. Despite the heavy workload, we continue to find ways to keep it moving. We've stayed active year-round doing STEM literacy activities, recruiting, grant writing, fundraising, and inspiring students to explore and develop their STEM identity through civic and community engagement. This summer, we launched a dynamic You Belong in STEM youth initiative, a youth-led civic engagement and STEM enrichment program. We are growing and looking forward to experiencing continued increases in youth participation along with the support of the community.
STEMS4Girls is entirely volunteer-run, which can occasionally make maintaining consistency a bit tricky. We were in a transitional phase with new volunteers joining while others moved on. With their support and yours, we continue to turn stumbling blocks into ladders of success. Moving forward, we plan to keep offering accessible and affordable STEM enrichment activities and tutoring services to communities with limited access to hands-on science and technology experiences outside the classroom and home. Our aim is to equip future generations with critical thinking, social, and problem-solving skills that are vital for success in the 21st-century workforce.
In this newsletter, we will share what we have accomplished over the past seven years and how that relates to meeting the founding board members four key initiatives: capacity/sustainability, partnerships, volunteerism, and STEM literacy. While the future feels challenging without additional financial support, we remain committed to empowering the next generation of STEM leaders.
Thank you for sticking with us—we’re excited to share our achievements, challenges, and progress with you!
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Not Pictured:
Angel Tyson and David White. Ph.D
| The 1st programming planning team | Our first youth volunteer team. | From the classroom to the boardroom | | | | |
Turning Stumbling Blocks into Successes | | Across the board we have successfully met or exceeded our boards four core initiatives. | | |
#1
Capacity/Sustainability
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STEMS4Girls remains committed to providing safe spaces where young learners work side by side with our youth volunteers, and professionals to explore STEM careers, engage in enriching activities, and build a strong academic foundation for their future.
Over the years, STEMS4Girls, Inc. has relied on the incredible support of volunteers, local government entities, foundations, community organizations, and corporate sponsors to advance and expand our mission. Words alone cannot express the value of this support. Beyond acts of kindness and words of wisdom, this support has enabled us to participate in the national initiative to educate and prepare the next generation with the skills needed for the 21st-century workforce. STEMS4Girls, participates in this initiative by offering free tutoring and STEM enrichment programs that are accessible and affordable, particularly for those in underserved communities. Your continued support helps us provide the space, food, supplies, transportation, and engaging hands-on activities.
Sharing spaces with 4 different organizations over 7 years of growth has sustained the organization but it has been a mixed blessing for a nonprofit operating a non fee program with a low budget and thousands of volunteers hours.
| Let’s work together to give students the jumpstart they deserve! | | 2018 - Boys & Girls Club Big Bend - Site 1 | 2021 - 23 Oasis Center for Women & Girls - Site 2 | 2024 - FAMU Dept. of Education Fab Lab - Site 3 | 2025 - Domi Station - Site 4 | 2025 - Columbia Gardens - Site 5 | | | | |
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Over the years, STEMS4Girls, Inc. has relied on the incredible support of local government entities, foundations, community organizations, and corporate sponsors to advance and expand our mission. Local agencies, and organizations like the Community Human Service Partnership, United Partners for Human Services, Children Services Council Leon County, the FAMU Small Business Development Center, Volunteer Leon and Volunteer Florida provide valuable technical support, training, resources and tools that has been instrumental in supporting the growth of STEMS4Girls. Words cannot fully capture the significance of this support
The funding from the American Rescue Act during COVID, The City of Tallahassee's Bridge Grant, Children's Service Summer and Small Investments for Program Success funding gave STEMS4Girls the resources needed to support families whose children were struggling due to missed school time and challenges with virtual learning. Because we focus on leaving no child behind, STEMS4Girls stepped in to bring relief to many families during that critical learning stage for young learners. While these funds provided crucial services, the reduction in funding has led to persistent learning gaps in math and language arts among early learners.
For seven years, your support and generosity, through acts of kindness and wisdom, donations, has allowed us to join the national initiative to do what we can to equip the next generation with the skills needed for 21st-century careers. Our free tutoring and STEM enrichment programs are designed to be accessible and affordable, especially for those in underserved and at-risk communities. Your continued support helps us provide space, food, supplies, transportation, and engaging hands-on activities after the school day ends.
| Your financial support or grant writing expertise can play a vital role in ensuring that the needs of all children, no matter where they live, have access to 21st-century workforce skills and opportunities for well-paying jobs. | Below a visual representation highlights the collective effort that furthers our mission. While we celebrate these partnerships, we also want to recognize the many organizations and individual donations that play a vital role in shaping our organization. Individuals have raised thousands of dollars, demonstrating the community's trust in our mission and dedication to empowering the next generation. | | Community Foundatiion of No. Florida - HTST | Enhancing learning through nutrition. | Donated guitars by Verizon. | | | | | |
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#2
Building Community, Engagement, and Connections
| | Where Would We Be Without A Super Community of Supporter? | | Our founding board members understood that sustaining and expanding our mission and purpose could only be made possible through engagement and collaboration with community organization and the families of the participants we aim to serve. The support and contributions of the Leon County community and others has allowed us to thrive while dedicating resources to nurture the next generation of innovators and leaders. | |
Administrative Meeting Locations
We began our journey meeting at locations like Lucky's Market, a local grocery store with a community meeting space and the Leon County Libraries. These welcoming environment laid the foundation for our programs. Since then, we have expanded our meeting locations to include and Domi Station. These venues not only serve as gathering places but also foster connections that remain today and enhance our lesson plans and activities. By collaborating with these community hubs, we create an engaging environment where our volunteers can thrive.
| | From the classroom to the boardroom. | |
Connecting with Kids in the Community
One of the reasons I decided to move to Leon County in Tallahassee was not just because it had a small town feel but because it was growing. And who doesn't appreciate growth? It had a vibe I could get used to, especially once the dirt roads and church parking lots were paved. Its nearly impossible to wear high heel shoes and walk on a gravel-filled parking lot. If allergies had continued affecting my well-being and ability to explore the city, I was ready to say good by to the small progressive town that had the 5 attributes I was looking for in my next move. While trying to figure out my next move, the community was invited to attend a Community Budget Workshop hosted by the then City Manager, Anita Thompson-Favors, where residents could learn about the budget process and provide input. Attending those events was a game changer for me. I met so many wonderful people, gained valuable information about available resources, and even swapped my wooden tennis racket for an aluminum one. Southern hospitality from public servants was on full display, and it was a first for me. The rest, as they say, is history - I'm still here in Tallahassee. The allergy symptoms completely vanished, and I built connections with city and county public servants who would go on to support the mission of STEMS4Girls, Inc.
Our work is further supported by participating in annual and local community events from STEMS4Girls Lights on Afterschools Celebration, Tallahassee Science Festival, Neighborhood Camp Fairs, Oasis Summer Camp, FAMU STEM DAY, Earth Day, 3L College & Career Fair, D J Demp Antibully Rally, FAMU Women in STEM Day to local Leon County Schools and many other events host by local community organizations. Attending these events helps us expand our mission, network, connect with even more families and children, learn about other resources, and receive a few awards.
| | Donated microscopes and Chromebooks by Atkins Ré́alis | Mayor John E. Dailey reading the Afterschool Proclamation to students | |
The Power of Family Engagement - Testimonies
"When we first started attending the weekly sessions, my children faced significant challenges regarding self-confidence, self-control, resiliency, and often struggled in the classroom on specific subjects. However, since joining the program, I have seen remarkable progress. They now approach new challenges with a renewed sense of confidence and enthusiasm. The tutors and volunteers are more than what their name implies, they are role models who have exceptional amounts of patience and care with the students by providing individualized instruction. Their unwavering support has been essential in helping my children gain foundational skills and build a deeper interest in STEM. In fact, I was recently told that one of my boys wants to play football and build houses. The substantial amount of progress that my children have made over the past year is a testament to the effectiveness and dedication of this program. Of course, there is still some progress to be made but the growth, resilience, and desire to attend each session has been beneficial to my family. The fact that the services are accessible and affordable is an additional benefit. "
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Volunteers Who Go Over and Beyond | | |
Starting a new school year, volunteerism is the bond that helps us move forward as a team.STEMS4Girls is strengthening its intergenerational volunteer efforts by applying strategies and tools gained to become a service enterprise organization supported by Volunteer Florida. As a volunteer-run group, we offer opportunities for personal and professional growth within a diverse community, ranging from baby boomers to high school students. With the support of the community we aim to recruit, train, and retain dedicated volunteers.
From day one when traveling to Domi Station to get assistance with writing our organizing papers, I met Mrs. Kay Pelt-Walker. She introduced me to Leon County's volunteer program and showed me how to create a need for volunteer support. By the time I returned home, I had received 5 responses from college students who wanted to earn community service hours. We remain a popular choice for college students to earn community service hours, develop leadership skills, and give back to the community. So far, we’ve had over 1,000 individuals respond to our call for volunteers, contributing more than 6,840 hours of service, which amounts to a monetary value of over $171,000.
Additionally, some of our amazing volunteers have earned awards or gained admission to prestigious universities and employers of their choice, thanks to their contributions as team members advancing our mission and vision. Valencia Lawrence shared her story as a volunteer and generously donated her award to STEMS4Girls. She says, "I have been apart of STEMS4Girls since December 2017, and I have watched it grow from a prodigious vision into a remarkable reality. I joined STEMS4Girls because I relate to its mission, I could see the lack of minorities, especially women in STEM fields. By being a part of this organization, I can help bridge that gap and bring STEM to underserved and overlooked communities. It also allows me to use and develop my interests and talents to help my community and strengthen our impact. I enjoy the feeling that the work that I do helps change the lives of others." ~Valencia Lawrence
With a rise in youth applicants this summer, a youth-led initiative "You Belong in STEM" was launched to empower rising youth scholars to engage and have a voice in civic projects that address social and economic challenges in their communities and globally. Previous projects include addressing food insecurity, which won the Meta Facebook Engineer for a Week Impact Award, facilitated by board member Dr. Marcel Nguemaha, participating in the Leon County MLK Jr. Parade, organizing a YSA Service Day 9/11 project featuring a march to a local fire station with donuts, and creating two videos: one titled "Why Do Bullies Bully Nice People," an anti-bullying video, and another encouraging eligible high school students to pre-register to vote. We’re excited to see what they’ll accomplish this year.
Your skills are badly needed and there is an opportunity for you to share them with STEMS4Girls. Check out Volunteer Leon and sign up to attend one of our volunteer interest meetings.
| In 2022, the S4G Youth team received the Meta Facebook Engineer of the Week Impact Award for their food insecurity project. | 2022 9/11 Youth Service Day | | Laura Damren, the first volunteer to join the board of directors discovered her talent for creating impressive presentations and videos. She maintains her involvement with STEMS4Girls due to her underlying belief that volunteering in ones community not only fosters personal growth, but also empowers the next generation. She is dedicated to inspiring young minds and believes that every contribution, no matter how small, can lead to significant change. | Danyale Berry: The All-Around Volunteer of the Year has dedicated two years to volunteering and is now finishing her final semester as a Ph.D. candidate. "Volunteering with STEMS4Girls has been a wonderful opportunity to get myself involved in the community. As a new resident, it's important for me to establish roots in a growing community, and figure out how I can make a positive impact. Growing up, I participated in a similar program, therefore, I'm grateful for the opportunity to give back and provide a similar impactful experience, encouraging interest in STEM." | Madison Kilpatrick, the recipient of the Humanitarian of the Year Award FAMU-FSU Department of Architect and an outstanding fundraiser. | Valencia Lawrence, a 2018 volunteer, generously donated her award for sharing her volunteer experience at STEMS4Girls. | 2022-24 Volunteer Lily Lamb, developed grant writing skills after a short bout as a tutor. She now attends the University of Florida College of Medicine. | What does the 2nd "S" STEMS4 Girls stand for? | | | | | |
This anti-bullying video was created from conception to publication by our STEM Literacy participants. Established in 2017 by our board members, the STEM Literacy initiative seeks innovative ways to introduce young children and youth to STEM education and career opportunities. Through programs like our Saturday and Summer Afterschool STEM Literacy Program, Community Engagement, Volunteerism, and Collaborative Partnerships, we aim to inspire and empower the next generation to explore and build their STEM identity. Our approach focuses on enhancing Florida's science and math standards through hands-on projects that develop critical thinking skills essential for success in the classroom, workforce, and life. In addition to supporting the participants STEM identity, the STEM Literacy Initiative program offers tutoring services designed to help participants maintain or improve grades in science and math and social and emotional development. | |  | |
Recently, we introduced tutoring support in language arts skills due to a higher-than-expected number of participants receiving unsatisfactory grades on their report cards. We continue to see the importance of offering these services in neighborhoods with limited access to resources. One sixth-grade student exclaimed, "I want to be a mechanical engineer!" Another said, "I like math!"
Growing up as a first-generation college graduate in a family of 10, having a mentor or tutor could have significantly improved my academic performance and readiness for college. STEMS4Girls After-school STEM Literacy Program is that spark, inspiring a child's knowledge, self-esteem, and confidence beyond the classroom and home.
Your generous support allows us to connect with students and families who might not have access otherwise.
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STEMS4Girls
Help me spread the word about STEMS4Girls. Together we can make a difference.
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"Our family is deeply grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such an empowering
program. STEMS4Girls has not only had an impact on my children's academic
development. It also has had a lasting effect on their self esteem. I am so excited to see
the continuous growth and development in my children’s academic and personal
journey."
Thank you! We see the growth in your children and are happy to be part of it. Ms. K
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Do you remember me, Ms. Kaye? You tutored me when I was about to start 6th grade. You help me feel more prepared and confident when I transitioned to a private school.
It's great to know we achieved such great success in a short amount of time.
Ms. K
| Donating $25 a month provides free, accessible, high-quality tutoring, unlocking a child's potential to thrive in school and life. | | | Be Kind, Be Brave, Be You - Character Building | Yes, we serve both male and female - Character Building | | | | | |
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Saturday, August 30 - New Volunteer Orientation
Saturday, August 30 - You Belong in STEM youth monthly in-person meeting
Monday, September 11 - Youth 9/11 Community Service Day - Blood Drive
Friday, September 19 - Board Meeting - 5:30 pm
Saturday, September 20 - STEM Saturday Tutoring & Enrichment - 10 am until 3 pm
Thursday, October 23 - Annual Lights On After School - 4 pm until 6 pm
Saturday, November 8 - Tallahassee Science Festival - 1o am until 3 pm
October 4th Quarter Fundraiser - October 1 until December 31st (Donate $25 a mo. and receive a S4G coffee mug)
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Tuesdays - Event Planning Team Meeting
Wednesdays - You Belong in STEM Youth Hub - virtual
Thursdays - STEM Enrichment Lesson Planning Team Meeting - virtual
Saturdays - STEM Tutoring+ Training - Domi Station 9 (until September 13th)
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