STEM Informal Learning
[STEM] Education Resources for Students, Parents and Educators
As school-aged children are adapting to online learning, their educators and parents must develop modifications in order to support their student’s education. STEM is often difficult to teach young children, especially when technology is a resource that is not easily accessible to all families. The Tech Interactive in San Jose, CA strives to make STEM education accessible to everyone, including low-income families (“Our Mission, Vision and Values”, 2015). During this unprecedented time of statewide distance learning, low-income students may struggle with accessing the internet or technology as a whole. According to the California Board of Education, approximately 1.2 million students do not currently have reliable internet access (McEvoy, 2020). Educators should be mindful of student’s varying backgrounds and access to resources. Therefore, parents and educators may need additional guidance and support as they navigate through this change in learning style. In order to bridge this potential learning gap for students, it is important to have a variety of hands-on activities at home available to children. The Tech provides educators and parents with resources to promote STEM learning by offering a blend of online and offline learning opportunities (“Educator Guide”, n.d.).
References:
Educator Guide. (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.thetech.org/sites/default/files/ttiah-educatorguide.pdf
McEvoy, J. (2020, April 20). No Home Wi-Fi, No Virtual Classroom: How Low-Income Students Lose Out During a Pandemic. Retrieved from https://www.kqed.org/news/11813045/no-home-wifi-no-virtual-classroom-how-low-income-students-lose-out-during-a-pandemic
Our Mission, Vision and Values. (2015, October 6). Retrieved from https://www.thetech.org/our-mission-vision-and-values
Meet the Team
Veronica Ornelas
She/Her/Hers
Veronica Ornelas aspires to work with youth and families to provide support based on their needs. During her time at San Jose State University she worked in helping school-age children from various non-profit programs with their academics and well being. She will graduate from San Jose State University with a B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development and a minor in Atypical Child studies. She is looking to find positions in case working or organizations that will prepare her to obtain a Masters degree in Social Work.
Giselle Arellano
She/Her/Hers
Giselle Arellano's career purpose is to provide equity opportunities to low income- minority youth. Among the multitude of experiences within the collegiate and the community job market, Giselle has been able to witnessed the importance of an education, and the various factors that can shift a student's opportunity. As a recent graduate with a B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development, her recent job search consists of educative spaces where she can help them realize their own potential. Soon enough, she hopes to pursue a Master of Science in Child Development with a Concentration in Early Childhood Mental Health.
Si se Puede!
Jennifer Tai
She/her/hers
Jennifer Tai's life mission and passion is to advocate and support children from foster care. As a former foster youth herself, this mission is something she is deeply passionate in. Ever since Jennifer had this mission, she had been taking on challenges to help her become the best advocate she can be for others. Jennifer has a vast variety of experiences through her leadership positions, nonprofits and social work internships, and different volunteer and work opportunities. As a soon-to-be at San Jose State with a B.A. in Communication Studies and Child and Adolescent Development with a minor in Psychology, she is continuing on her path to pursue her goal with a Master's degree in Social Work this Fall semester.
Melissa Ledwell
She/ Her/ Hers
Melissa Ledwell is a San Jose State University student graduating with a B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development this spring. She is passionate about helping Bay Area families thrive regardless of their backgrounds. She is especially interested in mental health and social emotional development, as she wishes to soon obtain a Master's degree in School Counseling.