Over 90 overjoyed and intrigued Club Kids took a field trip to the Thinkery this past week. The fieldtrip kicked-off a four-year long partnership between Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area and the Thinkery, funded by National Instruments (NI).
Collaboration to Realize Equity and Teach Engineering (C.R.E.A.T.E), is a program created by Thinkery and BGCAA to inspire and prepare a diverse pipeline of future engineers involved in after school engineering education, youth development programming, and family engagement. NI is currently the only funder of this engineering in STEM program and will give $800,000 over the next four years to Thinkery and BGCAA to support it.
In the weeks leading up to the field trip, Club Kids worked on C.R.E.A.T.E curriculum which aligned with the activation stations at Thinkery. The curriculum explored the effects of oil spills on wildlife and the ecosystems. Through different activation stations at the museum, Club Kids explored different cleanup strategies utilizing resources such as filters, spoons, and cotton balls.
The program is designed to empower Club youth to become proficient in all the fundamentals of the Engineering Design Process through carefully thought-out interactive activities. C.R.E.A.T.E. will formally launch at full scale during the 2022–2023 school year.
“Our partnership with NI and Thinkery has expanded to bring high-quality programs and curriculum to the Austin area youth we serve. The significance of this gift over the course of several years will have a huge impact on providing the resources and tools Austin area youth need in STEM education,” said Misti Potter, chief executive officer of BGCAA. “It will further our mission to promote on-time graduation and prepare students for their future college and professional careers.”
About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area (BGCAA) is Austin’s leading out-of-school time youth development agency, currently serving more than 9,500 registered members and engaging more than 16,000 children annually. BGCAA’s formula for impact centers on quality programming and services in academic success, character and leadership, and healthy living. Through support from local individuals, businesses and BGCAA Staff, Club youth are given the tools and opportunities to create Great Futures. Learn how you help support BGCAA here.