Highlighting Innovation: The MAYDM STEM Program
Out-of-school time (OST) programs provide students with new learning opportunities that they might not encounter in a traditional classroom setting. One such program that is making an impact in the Madison area is MAYDM, which stands for "Made by Them." This non-profit organization focuses on equipping girls and youth of color in grades 6-12 with the skills, experiences, and connections to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
MAYDM’s mission is to change the face of STEM by ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, know that a career in STEM is possible for them. They envision a world where students can pursue their dreams as entrepreneurs, developers, engineers, professors, and more. To achieve this, MAYDM offers various programs, including one-day workshops, school visits, and extended summer sessions. These programs are designed to spark interest in STEM and provide students with the necessary skills for STEM careers. Moreover, MAYDM connects students with local businesses for paid internships, offering practical, hands-on experience in the field.
Engaging and Inspiring WorkshopsDuring my November visit to a MAYDM workshop, I witnessed firsthand how they ignite students' passion for STEM. The workshop was centered around the Prime Spike Lego Robotics kits. Students began by assembling robots with wheels and working arms, which they then connected to computers via Bluetooth. Using software, they programmed the robots to perform various actions, culminating in a challenge where the robots navigated a mini-golf course constructed by the students. This hands-on, collaborative experience was both fun and educational, clearly illustrating how such activities can spark an interest in STEM careers.
Ben Pate, a facilitator at MAYDM, shared insights on the structure and impact of these workshops. "We start out with doing one-off programs like today’s, which last from an hour to three hours," Ben explained. "They go from this to summer programs that can range from two to eight weeks long. Once they turn 16, they can do our internship program, which lasts about two years."
A Pathway to SuccessJohanna, the primary instructor that day, highlighted the purpose of the day's event. "This is a free event for a day off from school, for the Madison School District. We're focusing on Lego robotics, so building and coding, and it's for middle schoolers and high schoolers. It's free to attend and we have lunch, so it’s a really nice, easy way to get some STEM learning in this morning."
Johanna emphasized the importance of providing a fun and relaxed atmosphere for learning. "For some students, it's something brand new that they've not tried before. Having a kind of fun, relaxed place just to experiment, build things, make mistakes, and play around is crucial," she said. "They'll be working with a partner, learning a little bit about collaboration and some real-world skills with that. And just being able to explore."
When asked why STEM experiences like this are so important for kids, Johanna responded, "It's not always offered in school. They don't have a place to do things like this. For me, coming from my background, I really enjoyed STEM. A lot of the skills I have now as an adult to be successful came from science programs when I was in grade school."
Talking to Sam, an 8th-grade participant, he particularly enjoyed building the robot and learning to code it. "I think I liked building the robot the best and then learning how to code it and learning how it works, and eventually playing mini-golf with it," he said enthusiastically.
Sam also shared the challenges he faced. "Probably the most challenging part was coding it so that it would not go over the mini-golf lines. That was kind of difficult, but I think I surpassed that challenge pretty well." He added, "I learned that if you put one plug in the wrong port, the entire thing can go wrong. Wiring it correctly is very important when you build a robot because otherwise it can't follow the instructions."
Programs like MAYDM exemplify how out-of-school time initiatives can offer students unique, valuable learning opportunities. By providing hands-on, engaging experiences in STEM, MAYDM not only inspires students but also equips them with the skills and confidence needed to pursue careers in STEM fields. These programs are crucial in shaping a future where all students have the opportunity to realize their potential and achieve their dreams.