STEM Curiosity Lab

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“I was never very good at science and didn’t like it very much.  STEM showed me that I do love science.  Because of STEM I am now taking AP science courses in high school.”

–Becky Gomez, STEM High School Intern and Former STEM Curiosity Lab participant

Program Type

Informal /Out of School

Target Audience

All Students

Location

Colorado

Grades

Grades 6 - 8

 Accomplished link

Program Impact

-The STEM Leadership Academy will reach over 375 students each year.  

-This past academic year 43% were female and 57% were male. 53% of students are Hispanic, 44% White and 3% other. 

Evaluation results show: 

-35% average increase in content knowledge from pre to post test scores.  

-100% of students showed a positive increase in their attitudes towards STEM subjects.

-96% of students participating in the STEM Leadership Academy said they would return the following year.

 

Program Overview

STEM Curiosity Lab is an after-school program that provides integrated lessons in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Utilizing an inquiry approach while students explore STEM topics through innovative lessons inspired by student interest, Next Generation Science Standards and Colorado Mathematics Standards. The STEM Curiosity Lab seeks to inspire the future of STEM innovators by providing youth access and confidence in STEM topics. STEM Curiosity Lab strives to increase student’s attitudes and self-efficacy towards STEM topics to encourage students to pursue STEM coursework in high school and college.
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How To Get Involved

Sponsorship opportunities for the STEM Curiosity Lab:

-Sponsor one student for a year: $275

-Sponsor one grade (6th, 7th or 8th) in a school for a year: $3,850

-Sponsor one school (6th-8th grade): $11,550

-Sponsor one grade in all 4 middle schools: $15,400

-Get involved as a title program sponsor- $20,000 and up.

Funders and Partners

Funders

-Harvey Family Foundation

-Women’s Foundation of Colorado

-Xcel Energy Foundation

-Alpine Bank

-United Way of Eagle River Valley

Partners

-Eagle County Schools

Contacts

Gina Van Hekken, Director of Grants & Strategic Initiative

ginag@walkingmountains.org

970-827-9725 x130

www.walkingmountains.org/stem

Design Principles

The programs in this database clear a high bar. STEMworks reviewed each program against the Design Principles for Effective STEM Philanthropy.

  • Accomplished
  • Developing
  • Undeveloped

Overarching Principles

  • Need

    Identify and target a compelling and well-defined need.

  • Evaluation

    Use rigorous evaluation to continuously measure and inform progress towards the compelling need identified.

  • Sustainability

    Ensure work is sustainable.

  • Replication and Scalability

    Demonstrate replicability and scalability.

  • Partnerships

    Create high impact partnerships

  • Capacity

    Ensure organizational capacity to achieve goals.

STEM Principles

  • Challenging and Relevant Content

    Offer challenging and relevant STEM content for the target audience

  • STEM Practices

    Incorporate and encourage STEM practices.

  • Inspiration

    Inspire interest and engagement in STEM.

  • Under-Represented Groups

    Identify and address the needs of under-represented groups.