Diversity & Innovation Institute Inc

Two immersive stem programs were offered during the summer of 2024: the young innovators quest (yiq) program and the ideaa summer program. These programs offer a variety of stem skills and experiences to high school students with focus on innovation, research and product development. Participants of these programs attended industry visits, gained experience through project-based-learning, visited college campuses and had hands-on experience in laboratories. Stem enrichment activities include: research, 3d printing, laser engraving, computer aided design (cad), computer aided engineering (cae), technical communications, mechatronics, wet lab biological biological preparation, lab instruments overview, forensics, dna extraction, virtual and augmented reality, microscopy, and human anatomy among other. In 2024, yiq served 8 high school age students and the ideaa summer served 8 high school age students. These programs motivate and train high school students to become innovators in stem, better problem solvers, better team collaborators, better communicators; and help them with making better informed career choices.

The award-winning tech literacy program provided an introduction to computer software skills to 127 students in grades 5 through 8. The skills they learned are commonly used in the workforce, help improve academic achievement, and reinforce computer science learning. Tech literacy equips underprivileged children with skills that will prepare them for summer internships or jobs, college, and the workforce. Workshops included an introduction to word processors, spreadsheets, presentations, internet safety, emailing, and computer hardware.

Additional expenses allocated to stem outreach services and the overall performance of programs