The purpose of the Be-U-tiful Additions (Be-U) summer STEM camp is to help eliminate some of the disparities (i.e. race, socio-economic status, geographical location, etc.) in STEM and provide an opportunity for all young girls. The summer camp will offer students an opportunity to enhance their math and science (and tech) skills in a fun and exciting manner during a time of the year when most kids may not be considering educational activities. Among the many offerings, Be-U will:
- Offer young girls an opportunity to build and enhance their skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
- Provide information that is not just useful for the classroom but skills applicable to life
- Allow young girls to make life-long friendships while accomplishing their goals
- Be exciting and enjoyable!
Why It Matters
In a study conducted by the Pew Research Center, U.S. adults indicated Math (79%) and Science (58%) as “important for children to get ahead in the world today.” 1 However, when comparing the achievement of U.S. students to that of peer countries, US students lag behind those in many other advanced industrial nations.2 In one of the largest cross-national tests (Program for International Student Assessment) given to students, the United States ranked an “unimpressive” 38th among 71 countries in Math and Science. 2
When considering young girls, there is much work to be done. Did you know that as young as age 6 some young girls already have an impression of their (in)ability to perform well in Math and Science? 3 A study involving 5-7 years old found that while youth aged 5 are more likely to associate “brilliance” with their own gender, by ages 6 -7, only boys held that view. 4 The researcher also found that older girls “were less interested in games meant for ‘really, really, smart” children. 3
These disparities in STEM become even greater when considering other contributing factors such as socio-economic status, race, and geographical locations. It should not come as a surprise that children in low-income households have less access to resources than students in middle and high-income households. Unfortunately, income and race can be inextricably connected; this often leaves many students of color as the recipients of under-performing schools and poor educational systems.5 The problems can be astronomical when considering certain geographical areas. Many students in rural America struggle to obtain access to high-speed internet or an internet connection in general. 6 This limits access to resources from the web and automatically places many of the students at an even greater disadvantage.
Our Team and Budget
We currently consist of professionals and volunteers knowledgeable of the importance of STEM and a quality education for all children. The current goal will support up to three one-week summer camps for seventy-five young girls in AL. Funds donated will assist with administrative costs, camp supplies, and marketing of the program. The stretch point goal will help to expand the camp to over 125 young girls across the US in needed communities.
How You Can Help
So, you are probably wondering how you can help with Be-U-tiful Additions? As shared, recent research indicated that much work remains needed to include girls (and especially those from diverse backgrounds) in STEM fields. Your donation will assist in covering the expenses for families who desire to provide an opportunity for their young daughters to attend the camp. Even more, your donation will assist in providing opportunities for young learners worldwide.
For additional information, please check out our site here: http://semmr1.wixsite.com/be-u-tiful-additions
Please take a courageous step and support the cause. Thanks in advance for consideration of our efforts!
