by We hope you are getting excited about this year’s SoACE conference! In prior conferences, we have performed a community service project during the first day of the conference. This year we want to provide a different approach on how we can positively impact the community of our conference city. San Antonio’s Museum for Kids (The DoSeum) was selected as the conference’s community partner this year based on their work on engaging children in learning and discovery through informal learning opportunities. You may have likely seen future workforce studies that cite the need for increased numbers needed in the STEM fields. The DoSeum is doing what they can to address this issue by introducing STEM educational experiences with the hope this spark will ignite a passion in STEM for early learners 0-11 years old. The majority of The DoSeum’s programming focuses on Title I school students, their caregivers, and educators. Title I schools are organizations with high percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards. Through their charitable activities, The DoSeum underwrites field trips, delivers school-based afterschool programming, and facilitates professional development for educators in order to help children learn more about the STEM field through physical and cognitive activities. Helping children learn more about the world of STEM will assist them with the foundation of a career plan that invokes their genuine interests and love of what they find stimulating in life.
So how can we help? During the conference, we will hear directly from DoSeum representatives and will be given an opportunity to support the amazing work they are doing. It does not have to be much, but if everyone made a small monetary contribution, it would make a measurable impact in lives of the children of San Antonio. You can also help by sharing their story with your circle of influence when the conference is over. With a projected need of over 1 million more STEM professionals over the next decade, any contribution will help make a difference in building this vital part of tomorrow’s workforce.
You do not have to wait until the conference to donate to this great cause. Visit this link to contribute today.
You can also help The DoSeum by responding to the following survey. The survey is designed to learn how informal educational programs helped shape you! By providing your personal feedback, The DoSeum will be able to enhance their own programming and initiatives.
