STEM in the Schoolyard Brings Interactive Science Students

Hair-raising electricity and vortex fog rings filled the Buck Lodge Middle School gymnasium for United Way of the National Capital Area’s (United Way NCA) annual STEM in the Schoolyard event.

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. The event promotes college and career readiness for middle school students at a United Way NCA-sponsored Community School

“We’ve been doing a lot more college and career pathway and exposure work in our Community Schools because it aligns with our academic goals,” said United Way NCA’s Vice President of Community Impact and Engagement, Sarah Parker.   

Fifty students had the opportunity to participate in this year’s STEM in the Schoolyard, featuring hands-on learning and experiments like 3D printing, flying machines, slime-making, and building DNA models

“This feels like having fun, but also learning at the same time,” Buck Lodge student Mariano said. “The more learning you do, the more education you have ‘to get to better high schools and better colleges.”

What made this year’s STEM in the Schoolyard even more memorable was having staff from our community partner EY join in on the fun as part of their annual “EY Connect Day.”

“Instead of being the ‘old, boring’ science we all know, it’s fun and interactive where I can enjoy myself with my friends,” Buck Lodge student Genesis said.

Students received question sheets and stickers at each station to receive STEM kits and LEGO sets at the end of the day.

“Science, math, and engineering are all a part of our everyday lives,” EY’s Andrea Beale said. “STEM is one of the areas of focus for the future, and EY wants to be at the forefront in that.”

In addition to United Way NCA’s Stem in the Schoolyard event, EY volunteers also packed 200 snack kits to provide to students as they left for the day. 

“United Way of the National Capital Area does a lot of these community engagements,” Parker said. “Without our corporate partners, events like this likely wouldn’t happen.”

United Way NCA’s Community Schools Initiative supports students in Title I schools as they transition to high school. Learn more and become involved with how United Way of the National Capital Area is advancing youth opportunity and serving ALICE families across our region.