STEM Connect

STEM Connect

Project Theme: STEM Inclusion and Support
Years in Existence: 3
Target Audience and Location: STEM Academy students at Harrisonburg High School in Harrisonburg, VA.
Mission: Reignite STEM academic confidence through peer mentorship and exposure to real-world STEM careers and applications.

Project Description: Founding Scholar Anish Aradhey and educator Scholar Danae Delozier, inspired by their shared passion for STEM, recognized the need for more inclusive practices in their high school’s courses. STEM Connect focuses on hosting after-school sessions outside of class to improve study skills, foster connections between underclassmen and upperclassmen, and offer tutoring and study support. This year’s team, led by student leaders Giovanni Sanchez-Garcia and Addison Mason, is focused on reevaluating the overall needs of the students in the STEM academy to further refine their offerings. To increase mentorship, the team has hosted STEMinars, which are quarterly opportunities for student connection; they are also creating mini-lessons where mentors teach their mentees and collaborate with one another on STEM-related activities.