Nonprofit Kids First Initiative Unveils “STEAM Man” — A New Superhero to Enhance STEAM Education for Underserved Youth
Promoting a New Generation of Creative Design Thinkers and Problem Solvers
Pontiac, MI –February 26, 2024–Michigan-based organization Kids First Initiative (KFI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, introduces its representative in educational equity: STEAM Man. The new ambassador for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM), this superhero is scheduled for introduction in late February in conjunction with Black History Month. Access to the ongoing series of STEAM Man activity sheets, poster cards, and multimedia can be found here.
STEAM Man aims to inspire young minds to consider STEAM fields as routes to combat poverty, enhance communication, and elevate change. The program’s monthly releases will maintain momentum for a sustained impact on all involved communities, including the 35 cities, 21 states/U.S. territories, and three countries KFI has serviced in the past.
The University of Michigan Center for Research on Learning and Teaching had previously outlined the crucial fundamental principles of equity-focused teaching, including a critical engagement of difference and academic belonging. STEAM Man will pursue these principles through awareness and opportunity in scientific literacy via DEI- (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) centered scenarios and social language in various creative formats. This targeted approach will normalize diverse contributions in a host of root-specific environments, empowering learners and educators alike— and thereby directly addressing the four main indicators for equitable learning (outlined by the STEM Equity Initiative).
Richard Bell, President and CEO of Kids First Initiative, states “STEAM Man represents the ignition of a spark in young minds, empowering them to drive social change, innovate, and become changemakers in the world”.
STEAM Man: We await your arrival.
About Kids First Initiative
Kids First Initiative has been in operation since 2006 and is committed to providing essential resources to youth in underserved communities. Through its STEAM Ignite Program and Resource Store, the organization dispenses food, skills, and information to assist youth in discovering and achieving their full potential. To make a donation or find out more about KFI’s involvement and impact reports visit kidsfirstinitiative.org.
*Students of color are often concentrated in schools with fewer resources. Schools with 90 percent or more students of color spend $733 less per student per year than schools with 90 percent or more white students. (UnequalEduation.pdf (uncf.org))
References:
Correspondent, B. O. H. (2021, November 18). Increasing access and opportunity in STEM crucial, say experts. Harvard Gazette. https://news.harvard.edu/
Educational Equity. (n.d.). STEM Equity Initiative. https://stemequityinitiative.
Equity-focused Principles, Strategies & Resources | CRLT. (n.d.). Crlt.umich.edu. https://crlt.umich.edu/equity-
Taylor, K. (n.d.). The Importance of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity in STEM Education. Blog.kidsparkeducation.org. https://blog.
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