Waccamaw Siouan STEM Studio

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STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Those in STEM fields

use their knowledge of science, technology, engineering, or math to understand how to solve

problems.

The Waccamaw Siouan STEM Studio program was founded by eager tribal members who have a passion for teaching our youth about STEM.  Our mission is to instill hope and inspiration that will unlock the minds of our tribal youth giving them the tools for success.  We hope to gain tribal youth’s interest in the STEM fields and show how fun it can be, resulting in successfully providing a STEM experience to Waccamaw Siouan Youth.

The program founders and volunteer instructors are very passionate about their field and hope to spread the passion to our youth. In addition to that, we hope to improve the American Indian representation in STEM fields by providing this career path as an option for our youth.

• 13% Job Growth in STEM Jobs by 2027
• 3 of 1000 American Indians have STEM Degrees
• 62% of students in local schools are below the state average for Math
• 11% of Waccmaw Siouan tribal members have advanced degrees (per 2010 census data).

Over the next two years we are working towards three main goals.

1. Virtual Engagement: stimulate learning at home for tribal youth.  We plan to send 100 STEM kits to tribal youth ages 5 - 17 over the course of this year (2020). Participants will submit photos and video of them assembling their kits and provide questions and feedback through our private Facebook group.
2. In-Person Sessions: provide six in person STEM sessions for 15 students at 5 - 8 next year (2021).  We have surveyed parents for the best dates and times for the session and have STEM professionals signed up for the session.  These professionals will provide highly impactful in person sessions resulting in a fun exploration and better understanding of the subject matter.
3. Build Relationships: share learning resources and opportunities with students and their parents.  We will continue working (this is on ongoing goal) to identify programs and resources that our tribal youth can participate in and share those opportunities.

Before COVID we had planned to provide in person programs for our youth to educate them and their parents about STEM, and to connect them to learning resources.  Since then we have pivoted to completely virtual learning until the pandemic is over.  Some of the accomplishments and impact we've had for this year are listed below:

• 88 age-appropriate STEM kits sent to Waccamaw Siouan youth who shared their experiences through our Facebook group.
• Sharing success stories from Waccamaw Siouan STEM Professionals with parents and students to give them an idea of the possibilities.
• Supported one graduate of the Girls Who Code Summer Program.
• Increased access to UNCW Marine Biology Summer Program (our youth did not previously qualify).