Southwest Stem Labs

A yearlong Middle School STEM Enrichment program at Cesar Chavez Academy Middle School. The program included daily instruction across multiple hands-on project-based courses designed to strengthen students math reading and STEM identity through engaging real-world experiences. Students participated in Code.orgs Computer Science Discoveries curriculum learning programming physical computing with Micro:bits web development and interactive app design. They also explored college and career pathways through modules in carpentry 3D designs and printing electrical wiring and senor technology integration. The program emphasized critical thinking teamwork communication and exposure to high-demand careers through mentorship and guest speakers from industry trades and higher education. Tutoring and mentoring were also offered weekly after school.

A four-week STEM Explorers Summer Camp for middle school students designed to provide engaging hands-on STEM learning in a fun and supportive environment. Campers participated in on-site STEM investigations make-and-take projects and collaborative challenges that built confidence and creativity. Weekly field trips and visits to colleges trade schools and local STEM institutions offered students exposure to future educational and career pathways. Camp activities also included arts and crafts team-building games and outdoor experiences like archery fishing and ropes course. The camp emphasized relationship building STEM identity and exploration through project- place- and problem-based learning.

Community STEM Night to engage families and local residents in hands-on STEM learning opportunities. The event featured student STEM project displays hands-on activity stations community partners and make and take projects that encouraged creativity and exploration. Attendees explored robotics and drone obstacles participated in lab experiments and engineering challenges and engaged in environmental science stations. The event also included sapling giveaways to promote environmental stewardship and featured a variety of college and career vendors to connect students and families with pathways in STEM education and professions. Offered free to the public Community STEM Night fostered curiosity celebration and connection.

FTC Robotics Program: A yearlong robotics program for middle school students that meets daily throughout the school year. The program combines hands-on learning with competitive engagement introducing students to foundational robotics concepts such as motion sensors automation and coding using micro:bits and Yahboom programmable robots. As part of the course students also participate in the First Tech Challenge collaborating to design build and program competition ready robots. The class emphasizes engineering design critical thinking and teamwork while fostering real-world skills in computer science problem-solving and communication.