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Existing Project

The Wilmington Urban STEM Initiative

Jacqueline Means

Delaware

The Wilmington Urban STEM Initiative is an organization I founded 5 years ago that is dedicated to bringing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) to the underprivileged girls of Wilmington, DE. In the past 5 years, I've been able to positively impact over 1,500 young girls through STEM! By leading the girls in fun, and, most importantly, hands-on science experiments, I am showing them just how exciting STEM can be!

www.stem-queen.com

Updates from The Wilmington Urban STEM Initiative


July, 2020
I live in Southbridge in Wilmington, Delaware, which has, unfortunately, become known as Murdertown, USA. I often hear gunshots from my home, which is difficult enough, but a turning point came when I witnessed a person no older than myself get gunned down in the street near my home. I knew then that I had to offer help in some way; provide a different picture of what life could be for those who were only getting one image of their potential future. So I founded the Wilmington Urban STEM Initiative. W.U.S.I. is an organization dedicated to bringing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) to the underprivileged girls of Wilmington, DE. So far, in the past 4 years, I've been able to positively impact over 2,000 young girls through STEM! By leading the girls in fun, and, most importantly, hands-on science experiments, I am showing them just how exciting STEM can be. I've taught the girls how to make everything from slime to dry ice ice-cream! I aim to inspire a younger generation of girls to pursue educations and careers in STEM fields. I want to show them that aiming high is a realistic goal, and that by believing in one’s own abilities and working hard, it’s possible to face any challenge with grace, overcome obstacles, and change their circumstances for the betterment of everyone. By following my passion for helping others, I feel that I have truly brought a positive difference to my community and the people living in it!

I am excited to use the financial resources that Riley’s Way has provided my Initiative to continue having an impact in my community during these unprecedented times. Because of COVID-19, I have been unable to host my Girls Empowerment STEM Events (workshops where I lead hundreds of girls in fun science experiments) because of quarantine, gathering restrictions, and necessary safety measures. To continue spreading not only my love of STEM but also hope and happiness, I have been posting weekly STEM videos on my multiple social media platforms AND leading virtual STEM classes on ZOOM, educating others about everything STEM. My latest venture will be along the lines of dropping off interactive STEM-kits at children’s houses so they can have some hands-on learning! I plan on using these methods to keep kids engaged this upcoming year!