STEAM – Accessibility in a Virtual Environment

Many of our children lacked accessibility to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programs before we started making the shift online. They simply didn’t feel connected to the material being taught, which denies us all the opportunity to benefit from their future contributions to our society … It is for this reason that it’s critical we find ways to continue to provide STEAM educational opportunities to a diverse student population whether inside or outside the classroom.

For example, the Grace James Academy of Excellence, a public middle school in Louisville, KY has launched a unique opportunity aimed at girls —this program has a focus on an Afro-centric curriculum to bring greater representation to STEAM initiatives while showing these students relatable leaders that reflect their cultural heritage. The students participating in the program are called “GEMS” (Girls Excelling in Math and Science).

During the pandemic, the Grace James Academy quickly transitioned to a fully online program during its inaugural year so that local students could continue to access its technical educational offerings. The girls were placed into GEMS groups based on their strengths and skills, which aims to further strengthen their understanding of STEAM academics. This program also has a holistic focus on more than just STEAM, creating an environment for small groups of students to participate in social-emotional learning sessions called, “sister circles.”

All subjects in GEMS are taught through an African-American lens that reflects the local community —pointing a spotlight on important contributors in science and related disciplines that will serve as benchmarks for excellence that the students can role model, such as Mae Jameson or Katherine Johnson.

While Covid-19 put a damper on our education system it is through programs like this that enable STEAM initiatives to better connect with students. Being free from the classroom setting inherently takes away from the typical, structured “teaching environment,” but now allows for learning in innovative ways that were not previously available.

Initiatives like GEMS are popping up all over America, signaling the need for new avenues of online learning and a change in our curriculum. By pointing a spotlight on under-represented talent in our communities, we can see a rise in STEAM participation across the nation to secure our country’s future prosperity. To create a better future, we must focus on our children’s academic success today.

— Christina Lucas