The Lahaina Intermediate School STEMworks AFTERschool Program needs snacks to fuel students for collaborative team projects in coding, computer aided design, 3-D printing, robotics, drone technologies, photography and videography.

LAHAINA – STEMworks AFTERschool, a free project-based STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) program, enables students to solve community problems using high-end technologies and also to explore their future careers.

Presented by Maui Economic Development Board’s Women in Technology (WIT) Project through a 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant, it serves four Maui public intermediate school sites, including Lahaina Intermediate School.

“However, the 21st CCLS Grant funding does not allow student snack purchases,” explained Melinda White, WIT program manager.

“This unfortunate dilemma leaves all schools without snacks after school during the 2016-2017 school years. We are requesting support for Lahaina Intermediate, where over 62 percent of the students have high socioeconomic needs.”

Lahaina Intermediate’s STEMworks AFTERschool program meets four days a week.

“The after school snack support for students will allow them to focus academically on intensive STEM projects using critical thinking skills,” said White.

“With a healthy snack, they’ll be better equipped for collaborative team projects in coding, computer aided design, 3-D printing, robotics, drone technologies, photography and videography.”

“Over the past two years, students report that they have grown to become better communicators, mentors, presenters, leaders and listeners,” White said.

“Students participating in the program also report increased marks in academics, teamwork and confidence. More amazingly, over 95 percent of students shared a specific STEM career that they are interested in pursuing. The program’s career exposure and practice with high-end technology tools are having true impacts on what these young people plan to become.”

One Lahaina Intermediate student said, “I like that we get to learn different types of technologies. It’s fun, and I get to try and do new things that I’m interested in.”

Another student added, “I like that we can build anything and be creative. STEMworks teaches us in a fun way. Through coding and programming, I’m learning how to be an engineer, and I also have time to do my homework.”

“We are requesting both financial and packaged food donations,” said White, always grateful for any community assistance.

For more information, contact White at melinda@medb.org or call (808) 875-2332.