Program Focus: S.T.E.M./S.T.E.A.M. Education

As an outcome of a two-year $20,000 Chevron and NASA STEM Grant, the South Suburban Chicago (IL) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated has made the difference in the STEM Education of students in the Chicago Southland Community. The Services to Youth Committee and chapter members developed a program that elevated the existing SSCC STEM initiative to a new, cutting-edge level of intensity and impact. The program, now in its fifth year, has enhanced the curriculum of participating schools by providing students with opportunities for unique and challenging hands-on, real-life experiences through interactive activities, projects and field trips in the areas of aviation, meteorology, chemistry, physics, environmental science and robotics.

The program has also been enhanced with an added focus on arts integration - taking STEM to STEAM. SSCC celebrates the sustaining and measurable impact of this imaginative, engaging and rigorous STEM Education program. A program that has resulted in the students demonstrating significant improvement on science assessments and which has broadened their interest, enthusiasm and curiosity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and related careers.