American Dreamer STEM Academy
Project Name: Chem Girls
Project summary: We will be moving into our new STEAM magnet school in August. We have a need for exposure to STEAM experiences for students with a focus on girls who are the minority in STEAM fields. Our hope through this exposure, is an increase in experiences and partnerships in the community.
Amount requested: $7,500
Website: https://www.dps61.org/dreamer
Project statement of need: Project Purpose: Provide experiences in STEAM for female students to increase exposure to STEAM practices and catalyst skills as well as Next Generation Science Standards through food chemistry based experiments
Needs addressed: Lack of STEAM supplies, Next Generation Science Standards, STEAM experiences for minority population
Project Goals: Community Partnership, STEAM experiences, Address 6 STEAM Catalysts, Address Next Generation Science Standards through hands-on food chemistry experimentation
Intended Outcomes: 3 one-day camps for 30 5th-8th grade girls with potential for more camps in future; partnership with Millikin University
Describe how this project aligns with your organization's mission and goals? Ellsworth Dansby Jr Magnet School is dedicated to helping students become critical thinkers, problem solvers, leaders and contributors of tomorrow with an emphasis on learning science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM).
This project aligns with our mission and goals due to its emphasis on science, mathematics and community partnership.
Age groups served: Children and teens
Gender served: Female
Number of females served: 40
Explanation of intent - new program: 1. New school re-theming; Saw advertisements for Chem Girls program at Children's Museum after it was over
2. Staff desire and student excitement
Sustainability beyond grant period:
If you receive partial funding, how would the program be impacted? If we received partial funding, it would impact number of students able to participate as well as staffing. We would also have to look at other ways to fund our biggest cost, supplies. I would eliminate journals, totes, and pens.
Project budget narrative: This proposal budget aligns with our school's overall mission. Our annual building budget is typically around $25,000. Our fiscal budget does not go into effect until July 1st. Most of our community partnerships or experiences that include time out of the building are successfully implemented through grant funding.
Shirts for campers and staff: $500
Totes for campers and staff: $400
Journal and pen for campers and staff: $300
Transportation - need based (district mini-vans): $500
Dr. Rodriguez hourly rate ($50/hr): $800
Staff Stipends (family liaison/teaching assistants - $25/hour) - $1,500 - hoping to use MU students, high school students that need community service hours
Supplies (ex. food items, hot plates, microwaves, forks, hand mixers, gelatin): $2500
Food (lunch daily with one lunch day at MU cafeteria): $1000
The budget will be managed by Principal Rida Ellis and Family Liaison Megan Meyrick.
