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When it comes to elementary students better understanding science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) education, several adolescents lent their abilities and skills to help further the valuable and crucial objective. 

Students from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s TRIO Upward Bound (UB) EC/MLC programs participated in a STEAM Education Community Service learning project with students, (grades K-3) at ASP2 (A Special Place) STEAM Academy in Belleville. The project ran from June 22-July 13. 

“The STEAM education collaboration instructs adolescents and young scholars on effectively processing information,” said Christopher Cooper, program director for the SIUE TRIO Upward Bound (UB) Programs at the SIUE East St. Louis Center. “We utilized exciting project-based experiments and STEAM learning activities to enhance the development of observational skills, identifying patterns, analyzing data and predicting results.” 

“The SIUE TRIO Upward Bound program's service-learning component is a teaching and learning technique that connects academics to community problem-solving,” added Cooper. 

UB juniors and seniors were responsible for various tasks such as teamwork, effective communication, group participation, resolving conflicts, ability to adapt and accountability, according to Cooper. 

“Our students worked with K-3rd grade students on a bridge engineering project,” explained Cooper. “The students were divided into three grade-level groups and tasked with designing and building a bridge from popsicle sticks and other assorted materials. Once completed, bridges were evaluated based on their general structure, durability and creativity.” 

“I involved our Upward Bound students in this project, because our team wants to enhance community relationships and encourage social and emotional learning in our young people,” he added. 

UB Counselor Cierra Wourman led the initiative because it addressed genuine needs and objectives for individuals and communities. “She believes that young people bring new energy, capacity, and unique ideas that benefit their personal and professional development,” noted Cooper. “Participating in the community service-learning project helps the community and our student's ability to make confident post-secondary decisions.” 

“The project fostered a sense of community and raised awareness of TRIO Upward Bound EC/MLC and what we do,” he continued. “Our students felt valued in the community and enjoyed working with others who share common interests.” 

A Special Place STEAM Academy Director Tanya Ferguson was overjoyed to see young people working well with a young group of students, noted Cooper. 

“The service-learning project is more than just community service,” he said. “It is an innovative approach to education, designed to keep our students engaged and prospective students interested in what TRIO Upward Bound offers.” 

Upward Bound programs help youth prepare for higher education and serves students from East St. Louis, Charter (EC) and Madison, Lovejoy, Cahokia (MLC) high schools. Participants receive instruction in literature, composition and STEM subjects on college campuses after school, on Saturdays and during the summer. The quality services provided will prepare the students for successful high school completion and entrance into post-secondary programs. Upward Bound is a college-preparatory program designed to serve low-income and/or potential first-generation college students who are currently in grades 9-12. Upward Bound is part of the SIUE East St. Louis Center.   

Photos:
Upward Bound (UB) students instructed ASP2 students in STEAM activities. Back row left to right UB students Tabryn Hall and NaRenzo Gardner. 

Shown with a larger group of ASP2 students are UB students Armani Lewis and Richard Denson.