An After School STEM Club Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators, Scientists, and Leaders by Bridging Community STEM Resources

Great program! My daughter has participated the last two years and it has been fun and educational and a confidence booster that provided a fresh perspective for a highly intelligent young girl that is looking to herself and her place in society. I am so appreciative of this experience

S. Walker, parent

Amazing Program! My daughter enjoyed everything about Curiosity Academy. She learned so much and met amazing people. Definitely an experience that will be cherished!

Kristin D., parent

It’s about my daughter learning a sense of community with other females. . . I found a program that embodies that

Angela L., parent

Her grades and confidence have improved greatly

Anonymous Parent

Great STEM learning in a multitude of career fields and best of all FUN! Staff is AWESOME and locations are interesting.

Amanda B., parent

When I think about participating in Curiosity Academy, I get really excited and can’t wait to go next Monday

Participant

When I think about participating in Curiosity Academy, I think about learning more that will benefit me in my school science class as well as my everyday life

Participant

Curiosity Academy really expanded my knowledge of science. I learned a lot more about plants, fossils, robotics, and so much more… Because of it, I learned a lot before it was even discussed at school, which helped me understand the topic a lot more.

Participant

She has been exposed to so many unique, new experiences, skills, and friends through Curiosity Academy that make her a more well rounded and confident individual. Real world experiences outside of her normal routine that are hard to come by.

Dustin F., parent

WE CAN’T WAIT TO GET BACK TO THE LABS.

STAY TUNED FOR FUTURE PROGRAMMING ANNOUNCEMENTS….

What is Curiosity Academy?

Curiosity Academy is an after school club for middle school students, regardless of gender identity, interested in learning about working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It is a way for like-minded participants to get together to learn about how scientists collaborate and what it is really like to problem solve while completing exciting and fun interactive STEM activities. Curiosity Academy participants meet on Mondays from 5-7pm to problem solve, complete exciting and fun interactive activities, and learn about how scientists collaborate. Activities range from rocketry and catapults, to synthesizing chemicals and identifying wildlife. In addition, you will meet numerous professionals to learn more about what their careers are like. Curiosity Academy is a collaborative effort and community program. Designed by directors from the University of Michigan-Flint, Kettering University, and Longway Planetarium, the program offers a diverse set of opportunities, resources, and backgrounds to enhance your experience in the program.

Program Goals

- Improve scientific literacy of participants through a variety of engaging and authentic STEM activities and experiences beyond those of a traditional classroom
- Demonstrate the importance of understanding STEM in making good decisions as a citizen
- Provide a safe learning environment that is free from judgement and the pressure of grades and testing
- Provide an opportunity for participants to work in teams with others who share their interests
- Demonstrate that scientists come from a variety of backgrounds and work collaboratively by exposing the participants to a variety of STEM professionals who will share their professional experiences

Activities and Benefits

- Take part in a variety of hands-on workshops
- Experience campus life at local colleges in a safe environment
- Interact with STEM professionals and explore what careers most interests you
- Make lasting friendships as you meet participants with similar interests from around Genesee County
- Explore STEM in a relaxed and fun environment without the pressure of grades or standardized tests

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What’s New?

We met in the labs at the University of Michigan- Flint to learn how chemists make flavorings and scents as we made esters

Past Projects

2014-2015

2015-2016

2016-2017

2017-2018

ACS data on undergraduate fields of study indicates that only about 25% of employed STEM degree holders are women.2 Evidence exists that suggests that this is due to negative stereotypes having a negative effect on women’s interest and performance in academic subjects necessary to be successful in STEM fields.1 Why is Curiosity Academy focused on STEM? The American Chemical Society states that only about 25% employed people with STEM degrees are girls.1 Evidence suggests that this is due to negative stereotypes that make girls feel negatively about their interests and performance in STEM academic subjects.2 Curiosity Academy breaks those barriers and stereotypes as we show you that STEM fields are an obtainable goal.

1. Beede, David, Tiffany Julian, David Langdon, George McKittrick, Beethika Khan, and Mark Doms. U.S. Department of Commerce Economics and Statistics Administrations. www.esa.doc.gov. Women in STEM. “A Gender Gap to Innovation.” 2009.2. Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, and National Academy of Engineering. Beyond Bias and Barriers: Fulfilling the Potential of Women in Academic Science and Engineering. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press, 2007.

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