Program Affiliated Institution(s)
NeighborhoodHELP Program at Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine

Program Introduction/Background
"STEM Saturday" is a community outreach program focusing on service, partnership, and education for underserved South Florida communities. It engages medical, physician assistants, and undergraduate students in leading hands-on science experiments for children aged 5 to 15 every Saturday across multiple sites. The program aims to foster a passion for STEM, enhance problem-solving skills, and bridge educational gaps in these communities. By engaging children in interactive experiments and teaching real-life applications of scientific concepts, STEM Saturday seeks to make STEM education accessible and enjoyable. The program also provides pre-medical students opportunities to apply their knowledge through MCAT-related questions, reinforcing their learning. Overall, STEM Saturday bridges educational gaps, encourages future STEM careers, and empowers children from diverse backgrounds to succeed academically.

Relevance to ASPBP
The "STEM Saturday" program aligns with the goals of the ASPBP by providing equitable access to quality STEM education and fostering community engagement. By targeting underserved populations and offering mentorship, the program helps address educational inequalities and supports the academic growth of children from diverse backgrounds. The focus on hands-on learning and real-life applications of STEM concepts promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential components of academic support and best practices.

Target Population
Children aged 5 to 15 from underserved communities in South Florida. The majority of these children are either Hispanic or African American, with many coming from households with incomes below the poverty level. The program serves over 15 sites in Miami, Miami Beach, Hialeah, Homestead, and Opa-Locka, each hosting sessions with 10 to 30 children.

Lessons Learned
One challenge STEM Saturday has faced is simplifying complex scientific concepts for children to understand better. To address this obstacle, supplemental videos, and visual aids have been utilized to enhance the students’ comprehension and participation during these experiments. STEM Saturday continues to build strong partnerships with local schools, churches, and libraries and receives positive feedback from the communities. The program has excelled by recruiting medical students as site leaders, using hands-on, interactive experiments with simple materials, and ensuring seamless coordination through volunteer support. Innovations include incorporating real-life significance into experiments such as extracting DNA from fruits, simulating the digestive system using common household items, and building rockets from plastic bottles. Through efficient coordination among medical students, staff, and the community, STEM Saturday can be replicable in other communities through partnerships, dedicated leadership, and effective communication and promotion strategies.