A collaboration of Washington University’s Institute for School Partnership, The Little Bit Foundation and other community partners is seeking to provide more equitable access to 21st century STEM in underserved schools. The mySci Do program engages students in learning through making, computing and designing, using tangible materials such as legos, robotics and electric circuits.
Modeled after mySci – a fee-based science program for kindergarten through eighth grade teachers in St. Louis – each classroom implementing mySci Do receives a kit of maker materials and curriculum, introducing them to robotics and construction learning.
In its first 13 months of application, mySci Do has reached nearly 2,200 students in St. Louis. The program is offered to Little Bit supported schools at no cost, in an effort to bring these experiences to students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to learn, build and share 21stcentury innovations. Several mySci Do students have had the opportunity to showcase their inventions outside of the classroom, even competing in the regional qualifier for the First Lego League Challenge.
“Little Bit’s mission is to remove barriers to learning while empowering students to work towards their full potential,” says Rosemary Hanley, The Little Bit Foundation CEO and Co-Founder. “Our kids deal with very difficult circumstances and also often aren’t afforded the same experiences as others. mySci Do allows them to harness their energy into creating and problem solving, to get excited about the possibilities of their future, and to really shine. We are thrilled and grateful for this collaborative.”
Victoria May, Executive Director of the Institute for School Partnership and Assistant Dean in Arts and Sciences, says, “The program was really the brainchild of Michelle Insco, Monsanto Fund Program Officer. She spearheaded the initiative after receiving several funding requests and recognizing a common theme that lent itself to a collaborative between ourselves, The Little Bit Foundation, Maryville University, Disruption Department and, of course, the Monsanto Fund. We all have a proven track record of helping students. Michelle recognized a real need and brought together this ideal partnership. For me, this project represents the very best partnership between higher education and a local foundation working together to solve real-world problems.”
Through initial funding by the Monsanto Fund, mySci Do was developed by the Institute for School Partnership, Maryville University School of Education and The Disruption Department.
MEDIA CONTACT
Stacy Lupo
The Little Bit Foundation
314.680.0145
stacy@thelittlebitfoundation.org