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Environmental Learning Center <br />Environmental STEAM Explorers Program: <br />Mentoring Tomorrow's Leaders <br />Grant amount: $11,650 <br />Funds used: $11,650 <br />Total children served: 237 unduplicated children <br />Cost per child: $49.42 <br />Focus Area: Quality Remediation and Enrichment Program <br />Program Description: The Environmental STEAM Explorers Program provides students with quality <br />STEAM education through an environmental lens during out-of-school time. To help ensure that <br />students do not fall behind during school breaks, to provide academic enrichment in STEAM fields, <br />and to boost interest in STEAM careers, this program includes in-depth career exploration for <br />middle and high school students and afterschool STEAM enrichment programs for elementary <br />school students. Middle and high school students take part in multi -day workshops to build STEAM <br />knowledge using Remote Operated Vehicles, drones, plankton sampling equipment and more, <br />working alongside environmental science and education professionals who provide insight into <br />STEAM careers. The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) provides access to the Indian River <br />Lagoon, a fleet of canoes, and boardwalk trails to reach difficult to navigate ecosystems, and <br />students use the ELC campus as a living laboratory to engage in authentic STEAM investigations. <br />After school academic enrichment programs for elementary school students provide hands-on, <br />standards -aligned STEAM instruction at established after school program locations throughout the <br />county. Elementary students participate in a multi -part series of lessons that connects science and <br />math to authentic and engaging lagoon -focused environmental concerns, reinforcing academic <br />content knowledge while also boosting interest in STEAM fields and locally -relevant environmental <br />topics. <br />Collaboration: Participants in the Environmental STEAM Explorers Program were recruited through <br />various avenues including the School District of Indian River County's science and leadership teams, <br />as well as partnerships with various community organizations including Dasie Hope Center, Gifford <br />Youth Achievement Center, Crossover Mission and Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy. These <br />organizations provide out-of-school services for middle and high school students and will help <br />identify students who would benefit from participation in school break programs. Their support <br />helps ensure this program is accessible to a diverse group of students who would benefit from <br />support in STEAM fields during school breaks. <br />After school enrichment programming for elementary students will be offered in coordination with <br />Extended Day Program sites throughout the county. The ELC has a strong relationship with the <br />School District of Indian River County Extended Day Program. <br />Goal 1: Increase interest in STEAM Fields: Pre and post surveys in which participants are <br />asked to report their interest and confidence in pursuing STEAM fields will be used to <br />evaluate impact of the program. Participants will be asked to use a Likert -type scale to rate <br />their interest and confidence in each of the STEAM domains. 75% of participant evaluations <br />141 <br />