(San Diego, CA) Southeastern San Diego’s 4th City Council district, also known as the Diamond District, is moving full steam ahead in their commitment to expose youth to STEM.
Recognizing the value in STEM education combined with innovative art design and, the enormous opportunities that come along with having those critical skills, and the lack thereof, in communities of color—members of the Diamond district decided to take action by creating an avenue to lead students on a pathway to higher education.
On a mission to create social and economic change in the community, partnerships were formed resulting in the Diamond Youth program, Full STE{+a}M Ahead! The program was designed to create leaders who understand the value in their community.
Students in grades 9-12 have an opportunity to participate in a fun, progressive 5-week hands on training program that includes, urban gardening, mobile application development, leadership, science, technology, engineering, mathematics and sustainability.
“I enjoyed being a part of the program because it allowed me to take advantage of the resources in my community,” said student Rahteesha Burgess.
On August 6, 2014, celebrating the completion of the inaugural summer program—”A journey in to the world of STE{+a}M,” the community hosted a sit down dinner and film presentation at the Jacobs Center for Innovation, honoring 18 highly motivated students who successfully completed the program.
Community partners attending the event were: Brian Harrison (Elementary Institute of Science) who served as Emcee, Reginald Jones, President and CEO (Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation), Pradeep Khosla (UCSD Chancellor), Edward Abeyta (UC San Diego) Mohamed Farah (Diamond Leadership Group), Risa Baron (SDG&E), Green Steam Computers and Project New Village.
Instructors for the project were: Diane Moss (Project New Village), Ivan Rosero, Robert Lecusay and Susan Chambers.
The program requires that students commit to a 3-hour session, twice a week, for five weeks, carry at minimum a 2.5 GPA and be reflective of southeast San Diego’s diverse community.
Family members: Jenerra Crenshaw, Nijah Crenshaw, Charista Toomer, Charisma Toomer, Deryah Toomer all came out in support Full STE{+a}M Ahead program.
