STEM SPARKS

STEM Sparks: Igniting Curiosity, Mentorship, and Growth

Post 1: Summer STEM Fellows Cultivate Leadership with Support from PEAR

Building connections and cultivating relationships is vital for the young people of Wyoming. The Wyoming Afterschool Alliance is building on this foundation by fostering a community of youth across different ages through shared STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) experiences with the Summer STEM Fellowship.  

The program’s second cohort celebrated its graduation in August 2024, bringing together twelve participants from towns like Burlington, Casper, Cheyenne, Jackson, and Laramie. This dynamic group engaged in a blend of in-person and online professional development and mentoring, helping them grow as youth leaders.  

The journey began with a welcome training this spring that was supported by the amazing team at the Innovation Wyrkshop at the University of Wyoming. Maryann Stimmer of FHI 360 guided Fellows through real-world math education using the Afterschool Math + curriculum that supports the goals of the Million Girls Moonshot.   

The closing weekend was held this fall and it was facilitated by PEAR’s Assistant Director of Training Jamaal Williams. His deep passion for youth development was evident in the session held at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Wyoming. With his rich background in nonprofit leadership and youth advocacy, Jamaal provided invaluable insights into handling “big emotions” in youth development.  

One key moment of the session was when Jamaal asked, “When you’re stressed, how does it show up?” This question spurred a candid discussion on stress management, both in the Fellows’ own lives and in their work with youth.  

Alliance Program Associate Emily Vercoe shared, “Jamaal’s ability to connect with the Fellows and guide them through these deep discussions was a highlight of the summer.”  

These moments of personal growth and professional insight are at the heart of the Summer STEM Fellowship, which aims to inspire our fellows to keep making a difference with Wyoming’s youth, whether in a professional capacity or as dedicated volunteers in their communities. 

Alliance Director Michelle Sullivan emphasized, “The Summer STEM Fellowship is more than professional development—it’s an investment in Wyoming’s youth, inspiring these Fellows to make a lasting impact.” 

This post is the first in a series highlighting the Summer STEM Fellows. Stay tuned for more on hope, mentorship, emotional growth, STEM pathways, and transforming challenges into opportunities. Explore the full STEM Sparks series!

Mission: We bridge the gap between Wyoming’s out-of-school programs and the communities they uplift, fueling them with resources, support and opportunities that inspire lifelong learning, growth and connection.

WYOMING AFTERSCHOOL ALLIANCE

1472 N. 5th Street, Suite 201
Laramie, WY 82072
Phone: 307-721-8300

 

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