Our Philosopy
STEM, typically defined as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, has a new meaning at Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania. In our programs, STEM stands for Sparks Curiosity, Teaches Empowered Learning, Establishes Good Habits, and Meets Learners Where They Are to Help Them Grow. We believe that the skills developed in STEM programming will grow with learners throughout their entire lives. Our programs are meant to be a both a continuum for students who are part of the larger Boys & Girls Club movement, and accessible and affordable for students who would like to experience quality STEM programs to meet their individual passion.
Creativity and Problem Solving
Whether you are figuring out how to account for climate change, or you are deciding how your school group will tackle the school project, it is important to be a creative thinker that knows how to approach problems in many different ways. Our exposure level STEM programs occur during After School Programming as well as specialty time blocks in and around the Pittsburgh area, and strive to be a place that is both easily accessible for all students, while also challenging students through hands-on learning and engaging projects.
Skill Development
Allowing students to delve deeper into topics is one of the incredible opportunities of our STEM education that is interwoven into the rotations of our school based sites in Penn Hills, Duquesne, McKees Rocks, and Glenshaw, brick and mortar Clubhouses in Carnegie, Millvale, Lawrenceville, Somerset, and Pittsburgh, and specialty programs. In our skill development programs, students go beyond exposure level concepts to start to engage in a more fulfilling way with concepts. Whether students are studying Robotics and Programming, or Chemistry and Artificial Intelligence, allowing them to spend consecutive weeks working towards broadening and deepening their skill set, and determining what parts of these things interest them creates students who are better prepared to utilize their skills in the greater world.
Career Pathways
STEM careers dominate the workforce. Allowing our members to not only build skill sets that will propel them into their futures, but also (see) different options is important to our work and mission at Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania. Through our Career Development programs, members are taken on a formalized journey from filling in academic gaps, career exploration and soft skills training to relevant occupational skill building, work experience and a formalized plan for their future.
About Our STEAM Programs
Build whatever you can imagine. Create something new. Discover how things work and move. Every time we wonder, the possibilities are endless. Whether you have never built or programmed anything, or whether creativity, imagining, building and programming are part of your everyday, we are a place where you can feel safe and supported as you try new things.
Want to hot glue your own tree house? Want to make slime? Want to program a robot? Come join us in our makerspaces after school or check out our classes!
Our PA Smart Awarded, AIPI + Teen Accelerator is not your average program. A pioneering and first of its kind program in the region and nation, AIPI is an intensive, interactive, hands-on and fun program that seeks to inspire the tech leaders and innovators of tomorrow. We do this by supporting the study of computer science, artificial intelligence, robotics, engineering and other closely related subjects by connecting youth to project based learning, mentorship/career exposure and connections to higher-education and industry. Learn more!
Did you know that STEM jobs are expected to grow by 2.1 million? Even in non-STEM related jobs, the skills developed in STEM classes are being cited as those most looked at by management as needed in today’s workplace.
The process of creating, setting goals, working with peers, and problem-solving until success is achieved engages students in a way that few traditional classroom experiences allow. Makerspaces are proven to create students who are more resilient, able to use their creativity in productive and assertive ways, and ready to work collaboratively in real world business settings.
Help ensure every child has a GREAT FUTURE! Your support not only provides access and resources to local youth, but makes a direct impact on your community, region, and country. In helping us to do whatever it takes, you are helping to create a safe, where minds are educated, hearts are mentored, and opportunities are paved by our committed staff and Clubhouse members. Members are given the freedom to explore interests, build skills, and work towards career pathways. Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania is one of the only organizations that provides mentorship and community for members throughout their entire school career. With your help we can also set them up for GREAT FUTURES.
STAM Educational Videos
Take a look through our STEAM Educational video series where we talk about topics like science, engineering, and just being curious about the world around us.
New videos are uploaded regularly, so check in often for more!
Register for STEAM Programming
STEAM is a part of all after school programs, visit the Clubhouse of your choice to sign up for an after school program, or register here for specialty STEAM programs!