The Ben J. Altheimer Charitable Foundation has been instrumental in shaping young minds over the past years through a collaborative effort with the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff and YEAH8, according to a news release.
This partnership has focused on empowering students with essential skills and knowledge, meeting one Saturday each month for at least four hours. The sessions concentrate on ACT preparation, particularly in math, and hands-on activities like building drones to demonstrate the application of STEM concepts in various areas.
Throughout the program, STEM leaders engaged with the group to explain coding, the importance of coding, robotics, entrepreneurship and the values of good stewardship. This mentorship has provided the students with a comprehensive understanding of how STEM skills are relevant in all aspects of life.
In its first year, the program started with 11 students in the 11th grade and has grown to 23 students in its second year, including 12 seniors, eight juniors, two sophomores and one freshman. Nine out of the 12 seniors were set to begin their college journey in August, with six choosing UAPB.
The funding from the Ben J. Altheimer foundation has enabled them to gain valuable skills and confidence to pursue higher education and future careers. Even though the funding cycle has ended, the ACT prep, drone and robotic building activities resumed on Sept. 28.
YEAH8 is dedicated to providing innovative programming in the areas of youth, education, arts enrichment, health programming, technology and services to assist in building healthy communities while supporting youth and at-risk and under-served students.
Details: Laura Hildreth, STEMProject specialist, at (870) 575-7112.