The Gateway Region Y is one of more than 500 nonprofits globally that will benefit from grant funding due to the tremendous support from Boeing. Science Gone Mad, a STEM program from YMCA Community Development, is an afterschool and summer program that helps students develop a STEM identity, and improve math and science skills for youth who are struggling to move their skills to the next level.
The Y was one of 188 grantees who received funding in Boeing’s “Our Future: Tomorrow’s Innovators” grant category, which is focused on targeting STEM diversity, proficiency and interest among K-12 students.
“Science Gone Mad helps support both youth and schools that struggle to meet academic goals in the state of Missouri,” said Caroline Mitchell, Executive Director of YMCA Community Development. “Thanks to Boeing, we’ll be able to impact even more students and teachers in St. Louis City and North St. Louis County, by not only providing more resources for them to develop a love and understanding for both math and science, but by taking the skills they learn and actually applying them in the field.”
The program provides small-group, project-based learning to middle school students, and gets them comfortable using technology such as iPads, scales and microscopes. Students also learn how to apply math and science to everyday problems.
“We’re extremely thankful for Boeing’s support of our project,” said Mitchell. “Just as the Y is a leader in the community to help drive positive change, Boeing also works toward creating a better community, and we appreciate their partnership.”