This spring, the Berkeley Public Schools Fund launched a new STEM enrichment pilot program designed to expand access to high-quality, hands-on STEM learning in afterschool settings.
Thanks to a grant from the Bayer National Fund, the Schools Fund partnered with classified staff at BUSD sites, including Oxford and Malcolm X, to deliver four weeks of engaging STEM classes to students in 1st through 5th grade. From engineering challenges to coding activities, the pilot provided both students and educators with the tools and training to bring STEM to life.
Why STEM After School?
Afterschool programs like LEARNS and BEARS are critical spaces for learning and connection. Yet staff often lack the support or materials to introduce robust STEM opportunities. This pilot aimed to change that by equipping site staff with lesson plans, materials, and ongoing support from the Schools Fund to spark curiosity and creativity.
Educators noticed the difference immediately.
“The STEM pilot gave students who may normally struggle with math and science an interest in these subjects. It made them realize they actually do like math and science.”
— Joseph Oduah, Malcolm X LEARNS
“It taught them not to prejudge things. When it was the first day, a lot of kids didn’t want to participate—but once they started, they enjoyed it.”
— Oliver Suttice, Malcolm X BEARS
“They were so excited to do the lesson every Friday. It gave them a great association with STEM and having fun.”
— Michael Alexander, Oxford LEARNS
What did students gain?
Confidence, collaboration, and the mindset of an engineer. Students learned to build, test, revise, and work together; developing skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom.
“I enjoyed working together and building new and creative projects with my friends.”
— Student Participant
For many students, this was their first time seeing themselves as scientists and engineers—and they didn’t want it to end.
“The only thing I would want to change is for there to be more of it. And for it to be longer than just four weeks.”
— Student Participant
Looking Ahead
The pilot revealed both the need and the potential for more hands-on STEM enrichment in afterschool programs, especially in the face of district-wide budget cuts and urgent need to increase representation in STEM.
Thanks to your support, the Schools Fund continues to build pathways to possibility: supporting educators, training staff, and bringing joyful, identity-affirming learning experiences to students across Berkeley.
To learn more about the Schools Fund STEM programming visit www.BerkeleyPublicSchoolsFund.org/stem-programs