STEAM

Phase 4 Learning Center recognizes the disparities in education quality and the lack of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) programming to which minorities and low income youth have access. Without access to STEAM programming, these students tend to fall behind on math and science scores, which limits their chance for STEAM careers.

Phase 4 STEAM (P4STEAM) was created to expose under-served youth to various STEAM related projects, educational paths and job opportunities. As part of the program, 60 youth at our two Pittsburgh locations, participated in science activities, field trips, college panels, and video game design.

Starting with an ice breaker activity with a Rube Goldberg focus, youth were tasked to “make” something happen. The purpose was to have them critically think and problem solve using their design skills and begin to get immersed in the thought process of STEM; that is, understanding that it’s not going to be right the first time, or the second. And learning to accept that failure is a part of the success, while having fun doing it.