Help erase STEM inequalities!
Tax deductible
Inequalities within Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) continue to worsen and research has shown that girls and youth of color are diverted from this growing field of employment. Mentoring programs are a proven antidote to level the field and our 4-H program has been going strong for 4 years to connect 125 youth with community Mentors. We learned just 2 weeks before our funding was to begin for 2018 that federal governmental funding to 4-H had been cut drastically. We have contacted local organizations, schools etc but, given the timeframe, we will be unable to continue programming without your help.
Raising this money will allow us to keep weekly programming alive through June for up to 50 youth in Ellenville and Kingston NY by covering transportation, direct staff time, minimal supplies, and important engagement trips, including to Cornell's Career Explorations program. This $ gives us one-time needed stopgap funding to seek additional governmental and local funding with the aim of restoring funding from these sources by September 2018. Any contribution helps so please give what you can.
Why should you care? Below are quotes from program beneficiaries:
- “Tech Wizards has been a huge part of my life and I don’t really know what I would do without it… Because of Tech Wizards I have come out of my shell and have made so many new friends. It is not always easy for me to make friends… My grandma says if you love something never let it go easily and I will do whatever I can to keep this program alive.” Kyra, mentee of 4 years
-“Sharing the values [of facts, evidence, reason, logic, and an understanding of science]with the youth in the Tech Wizards Program is one of the most important things I do each week…To end that now would be a tragedy”- Chris, Mentor for 1 year
-“I’ve learned robotics, civil engineering, about the Earth, and even how to help others learn… in a town with few resources and more budget cuts to education, Tech Wizards provides a huge service to kids who might not have these opportunities without it…I have been able to build my confidence, explore my options, plan my future and was looking forward to learning to be a Mentor”- Julia, Mentee for 4 years
-"Being in this program helped my curiosity grow and flourish by helping me better understand and explore this world we have the pleasure of existing in”- Ryan, Mentee for 2 years
-“[Tech Wizards] has provided Julia with a safe space to explore new experiences…and learn about career options…As a single parent, I could not afford a private program even if it was offered.” – Maryann, parent of Tech Wizards mentee of 4 years
Mentees learning how to create a stream profile
Making gloop with mentees for Halloween
Raising this money will allow us to keep weekly programming alive through June for up to 50 youth in Ellenville and Kingston NY by covering transportation, direct staff time, minimal supplies, and important engagement trips, including to Cornell's Career Explorations program. This $ gives us one-time needed stopgap funding to seek additional governmental and local funding with the aim of restoring funding from these sources by September 2018. Any contribution helps so please give what you can.
Why should you care? Below are quotes from program beneficiaries:
- “Tech Wizards has been a huge part of my life and I don’t really know what I would do without it… Because of Tech Wizards I have come out of my shell and have made so many new friends. It is not always easy for me to make friends… My grandma says if you love something never let it go easily and I will do whatever I can to keep this program alive.” Kyra, mentee of 4 years
-“Sharing the values [of facts, evidence, reason, logic, and an understanding of science]with the youth in the Tech Wizards Program is one of the most important things I do each week…To end that now would be a tragedy”- Chris, Mentor for 1 year
-“I’ve learned robotics, civil engineering, about the Earth, and even how to help others learn… in a town with few resources and more budget cuts to education, Tech Wizards provides a huge service to kids who might not have these opportunities without it…I have been able to build my confidence, explore my options, plan my future and was looking forward to learning to be a Mentor”- Julia, Mentee for 4 years
-"Being in this program helped my curiosity grow and flourish by helping me better understand and explore this world we have the pleasure of existing in”- Ryan, Mentee for 2 years
-“[Tech Wizards] has provided Julia with a safe space to explore new experiences…and learn about career options…As a single parent, I could not afford a private program even if it was offered.” – Maryann, parent of Tech Wizards mentee of 4 years
Mentees learning how to create a stream profileMaking gloop with mentees for Halloween
Organizer
Melanie Forstrom
Organizer
Kingston, NY
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.
