FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Local Youth Charity to Launch STEM Program
ANAHEIM, Calif. – StandUp for Kids Orange County, the local chapter of a nation-wide youth homelessness organization, has announced the launch of a new STEM program at its Anaheim Outreach Center. The STEM program is the first of its kind at the Orange County chapter and will begin September 20, 2016.
The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program is a fifteen week course that will utilize curriculum from Rokenbok Education. Students will have access to skilled tutoring, the opportunity to create a grade-level science project, and online resources to develop science skills and career plans.
“We have found that the youth we encounter have experienced highly unstable educational histories,” says Justine Palmore, Executive Director of StandUp For Kids Orange County. “By increasing school success and developing future goals, we hope to increase school attendance and thereby move high school graduation within the reach of these teens.”
The STEM program was made possible by a $10,000 grant from WD Foundation, written by Dr. Stephanie Schneider, who also acts as program designer and evaluator. Research scientist Dr. Katherine Djernes Pappano, who holds a Doctorate degree in chemistry, will be both training volunteers and teaching students. Overseeing the entire endeavor is Program Director Carlia Oldfather, who works closely with school districts, law enforcement, and other agencies to reach homeless and at-risk youth in local schools.
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STANDUP FOR KIDS ORANGE COUNTY is a 501 (c)(3) organization fighting youth homelessness. Our focus is on prevention, outreach support and offering an array of resources and services to youth on their journey to self-sufficient adulthood. For more information about StandUp For Kids Orange County, contact: Emily Cordova at (714) 443-9450, emily.cordova.pr@gmail.com, or www.standupforkids.org/orangecounty.