The Greater Seattle Chapter of the Links, Incorporated is Building STEAM!
S = Science
T = Technology
E = Engineering
A = Art
M = Mathematics
​
The Greater Seattle (WA) Chapter of the Links launched its Building STEAM program to help address the academic achievement gap through experiential learning. The mission of Building STEAM is to provide African American middle school girls with transformational experiences that support self-discovery, exposure to, interest in, and aptitude for STEAM curricula and careers. This program also exposes participants to African-American women role models in a variety of careers and provides learning opportunities that the girls may not otherwise experience. The program is designed to enhance their interest in STEAM careers, high school graduation, and college attendance.
.jpg)
Launched in 2011 as a chapter-wide initiative, the Greater Seattle Chapter’s Building STEAM program recruits approximately 35 middle school students from low-to-moderate income households in central and south King County. The. curriculum includes 30 hours of classroom-focused programming led by credentialed technology instructors. The middle school participants complete a robotics curriculum and video game development curriculum. All classes are experiential with developmentally appropriate skill building. Additionally, the core curriculum is supplemented with guest speakers, workshops and field trips intended to expose students to organizations, environments and professionals that will broaden their world and make STEAM come alive.​