The Boys & Girls Club of Worcester: Developing a STEAM Strategy

The goal of this project was to help the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester (BGCW or Club) implement a sustainable after-school STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) program. Using the Everything STEM Planning Guide created by the Boys & Girls Club of America, we completed a STEM Readiness Pre-Assessment, STEM Improvement Plan, and STEM Readiness Post-Assessment. With BGCW staff and active participation of members aged 9-12, we also made immediate improvements through designing and piloting high yield learning activities using the Club’s new Lego Mindstorms kits and 3D printer. We created a volunteer guide and recommendations for long-term improvements to help sustain the BGCW’s STEAM program.

Project Sponsor:

The mission of the Boys & Girls Club is to inspire and enable all youth, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to develop the qualities needed to become responsible citizens and community leaders. Since 1889, the Club has provided members a safe environment with a caring professional staff who forge relationships with our youth members and influence their ability to succeed in life. There are several different programs including the Learning Center, the gym, the boxing room, the game room, the teen room, the music room, and the dance room. The Learning Center is the hub of academic support and facilitates the educational programming available to members at the Club.