WHAT’S WE-STEAM?
WE-STEAM is a program developed by United Way which provides innovative and engaging Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) programming to after-school programs and summer camps in Windsor and Essex County priority neighbourhoods at no cost to participants.
The goal is to improve performance and confidence in STEAM subjects at school, and help children develop social skills while engaging in fun activities. By exposing kids to STEAM concepts when they are young, we can prepare and spark young minds to the possibility of future STEAM-based career fields and 21st Century jobs.
In its pilot year, this program serves over 200 youth ages 5-12, in nine after-school programs.
BENEFITS FOR PARTICIPANTS
- Become a more curious learner
- Learn discovery skills
- Work together with peers
- Be creative
- Learn to problem solve
- Build confidence
- Be encouraged to ask questions
WHAT TO EXPECT
WE-STEAM staff members will be attending your child’s after-school program or summer camp once a week. The program will provide students with the opportunity to participate in various 'hands-on' Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics activities.
Our team consists of trained teachers and a number of passionate volunteers from our community that will be presenting and leading the children in various STEAM-based activities.
TYPES OF ACTIVITIES
- Observing chemical reactions
- Growing plants
- Computer/iPad Skills
- Robotics and coding
- Building circuits
- Creating musical instruments
- Designing and building structures
- Creating music
- Painting and digital art
- Green-screen augmented reality animation
- Graphing
- Patterning activities
“WE-STEAM is a welcome addition to our after school program,” says Multicultural Council Executive Director Kathleen Thomas. “The support of United Way offers next-level resources and technical skill development for young people interested in exploring technology. Our students couldn’t be happier.”
The key program partners who support WE-STEAM include Windsor-Essex FIRST Robotics, Let’s Talk Science, SMArt, the University of Windsor Faculty of Engineering, and the Windsor Symphony Orchestra.
The program is still in need of sponsors. To learn how to get involved or donate to the WE-STEAM program contact:
Mike Flanagan, Manager, Major Giving & Planned Giving
519-259-6189 | mflanagan@weareunited.com
LINK: WE-STEAM Launch Nov. 2018
LINK: WE-STEAM Year-One Celebration & Kids Summit June 2019
Cavalier Tool and Manufacturing raised $1,200 to purchase electric dough kits
for WE-STEAM. (Oct. 2018)
Last updated:June 25, 2019
