The Spark Your Summer series continued for 2024, designed specifically to empower single mothers in the ALICE (Asset limited, income constrained, employed) population with practical STEM skills. This year's program, held at the Greenwell Springs East Baton Rouge Parish Library, was all about hands-on training in essential areas like hand tool usage, automotive care, electrical basics, and HVAC systems. The goal of this program was to provide these moms with the knowledge and confidence to handle everyday challenges independently, and emphasize excitement about STEM for all ages in our LASTEM Region 2.
We began with foundational skills, teaching the participants about safety, and how to use various hand tools effectively. This included everything from screwdrivers and wrenches to more specialized equipment. The moms practiced these skills through guided projects, learning how to use the tools and also understanding their applications in everyday scenarios. This hands-on approach helped demystify the tools and made the moms more comfortable and confident in using them.
In addition to hand tools, the program covered essential automotive care. The moms learned how to perform basic maintenance tasks, such as checking and changing oil, inspecting tire pressure, and understanding warning lights on their dashboards. This knowledge is crucial for ensuring vehicle safety and longevity, and it was empowering for the participants to feel capable of managing these tasks themselves.
The electrical and HVAC sessions were equally informative and practical. Participants were introduced to basic electrical systems, learning how to handle simple repairs like fixing a faulty switch or replacing a fuse. The HVAC segment, taught by our own Capital Area STEM Network Center Director, Summer Dann, provided insights into managing home heating and cooling systems, including troubleshooting common issues and performing basic maintenance. These skills are invaluable for maintaining a safe and comfortable home environment.
Many participants expressed increased confidence in handling home and vehicle maintenance, a sense of empowerment from learning new skills, and a strong appreciation for the supportive community that developed throughout the sessions.
Understanding the challenges faced by single mothers, we provided childcare with engaging STEM activities for children of all ages. Childcare featured engaging STEM activities like making slime to explore basic chemistry concepts and using snap circuits to understand electrical currents. This allowed moms to fully immerse themselves in the training sessions without worrying about their kids. Our program's success is a testament to the dedication of our partners, including the East Baton Rouge Parish Library and the instructors from the East Baton Rouge Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC). We extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsor, CAMPOS Baton Rouge, and our incredible instructors, Debra Taylor, Bruce Williams, and Ron Parish for their invaluable contributions.
We are thrilled to announce that we are looking to expand the Spark Your Summer program to other parishes in our region. Our goal is to reach more single mothers and the ALICE population, or others who can benefit from this transformative experience. If you are interested in hosting a session, please contact us. To stay updated on future sessions and events, follow us on our social media channels and subscribe to our newsletter. Together, let's continue to empower and uplift through the power of STEM!
