Since the pandemic hit in April 2020, STEAMpark’s young “STEMgirls” in both New York and New Jersey have been learning and growing together in safe, online classrooms and building critical skills to help them navigate the new ‘normal’. With inquiry-based STEM projects and group lessons in online classrooms, they enjoy speakers from exciting STEM fields, computer programming instruction, and ongoing, individualized support outside of class. All classes are synchronous, taught by an accredited teacher for academic lessons and hands-on STEM projects; and a CS instructor for coding. Curricular themes tie lesson components together to make it real-world and fun. Tech devices/ support, project materials and school supplies are provided to every student. All girls may attend regardless of household income. The five semesters per year are as follows: Winter (January-March), Spring (April-June), Summer (July-August), and Fall (Sept-Nov), plus a two-week ‘All Stars’ camp in December. Each semester is preceded by a week of teacher training and culminates in a virtual learning celebration (STEM Fair) to celebrate achievements and friendship. Supply kits are delivered to students and teachers each semester. Chromebooks and headphones are loaned out long-term as needed, with individualized technology support. A family coordinator (social worker) connects with families via weekly newsletters, phone calls and texts. All students, (with specialized care for those at high risk), are assigned teen tutor/mentors who build personal relationships and virtually help with homework and build confidence/skills.

When the pandemic disabled this in-person strategy, STEAMpark’s programming went virtual and a stronger focus was also placed on delivering much-needed technology, curricular supplies and food to young low/no income families of the children STEAMpark traditionally served. With collaborative partnerships, STEAMpark distributed 1000+ children’s books, 2000+ meals, and 986 STEAMpark Survival Kits (school supplies, activities, craft materials for young children) from May to July 2020. As forced isolation continued to exacerbate existing inequities and learning loss for children in low/no income households, STEAMpark developed an educational yet holistic model of virtual programming that has allowed the company to scale. STEAMpark is now proud to host full-year synchronous academic classes virtually, with physical supplies and social connectedness but no barriers of entry (like cost and transportation), and giving caregivers critically-needed support.