STEM Stars (2014-Present)

Since the STEM Stars program’s initiation in 2015 CEAC has acted as an external evaluator providing program evaluation for funding and program review. STEM Stars, a collaborative project which combined the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh’s TechGYRLS program and Carnegie Science Center’s GEMS (Girls Engage in Math and Science) program, provides an afterschool STEM-focused opportunity for economically disadvantaged girls in grades 5-8. STEM Stars operates in 20 sites including McKeesport Area School District’s Founders Hall Middle School, and Twin Rivers and Francis McClure Elementary; Pittsburgh Public Schools’ (PPS) Allegheny Traditional Academy (ATA), Sterrett Classical Academy (SCA), Pittsburgh Classical Academy (PCA), and Pittsburgh Carmalt, South Brook, South Hills, Sunnyside, and Weil Elementary; Propel Schools’ Propel Braddock Hills, Hazelwood, Homestead, McKeesport, Northside, Montour, and Pitcarin; and Woodland Hills School District’s Woodland Hills Intermediate School (Fifth and Sixth Grade). STEM Stars seeks to increase STEM academic achievement, awareness, and interest of participating students. By focusing on challenges such as insufficient access to STEM courses, inadequate academic preparation, and attitudinal barriers that limit girls’ persistence in STEM education. STEM Stars addresses opportunity gaps that negatively affect economically disadvantaged girls’ success in STEM education and entrée into STEM careers. Throughout the school year, STEM Stars programs focus on reading, math, and science remediation and enrichment, hands-on project-based STEM activities, life-skills, character development, informal mentoring, pre-college experiences, and STEM career exploration. CEAC has provided program evaluation for funding and program review since the program’s initiation.