Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Bolsen.
Laura, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am the founder of a nonprofit called STEM for Every Child. STEM is not just a buzz word in the education field, it is an all-encompassing idea of educating students in four specific disciplines — Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Unlike the traditional method of teaching these subjects separate from each other, STEM focuses on integrating them together into hands-on real-world projects called PBL (Project Based Learning). STEM requires students to use problem-solving skills and to think about the world around them in a different way, and it can start in the early years when a child first enters elementary school.
Before starting STEM for Every Child, I was an educator in DeKalb County for 18 years. I absolutely love elementary-aged children and found joy each day in my career. My vision for the nonprofit came to me as I was working with a student who was at my school on a House Bill transfer. His mother shared with me that their home school lacked resources, support, and community involvement. I knew that I could do more to reach students in these areas.
I saw a need & a void in the lives of many children; I simply decided to act upon my desire to fill it. I want to see equal representation of girls and minorities in STEM fields.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road has not been smooth for me; like all jobs, there are good days when I know that I’ve made an impact and days where I don’t feel effective. Truthfully, the hardest obstacle has been acquiring funding. Many grants are available, however, to win them requires a proven track record, which has meant dipping into personal savings to simply purchase materials and technology resources. In addition, I’ve had to prove myself and earn trust in ways I didn’t experience in the classroom. Many school sites find it hard to believe that I would care about their population, which always surprises me but allows me to see the realism of tensions in our society. My heart is in this for the right reason: to help children. I don’t come with all the answers, however, I do bring a genuine concern and belief that all children are equal. Every child deserves opportunities to succeed and have fun in STEM!
I also have a very long list of amazing minds in Atlanta that I would love to mentor me…can that be seen as a challenge? I am a very big fan of Dr. Kamau Bobb; it would be amazing to meet him!
We’d love to hear more about STEM for Every Child.
STEM for Every Child focuses on four primary areas of support.
First, we provide STEM robotics and hands-on training in the classroom. We have partnered with over 10 elementary schools to donate Ozobots, Sphero, Circuit kits, 3Doodle Pens, and Bee Bots. One of our biggest robotics donations was to a cluster of Title 1 schools in Atlanta called Purpose Built Schools. These are schools filled with charming and bright students who are eager to succeed. The educators I’ve met through this journey have been stellar; they give so much of themselves each day. I love being able to enhance their current initiatives with STEM donations and training. We are very proud of our partnerships and continue to seek schools that need our help.
Next, we support STEM initiatives for teachers who need extra funding or support to get an idea off the ground and running. We look for special requests on Donors Choose, and we also accept teacher requests on our website form. We believe in the value of all children.
The third focus for my nonprofit is to donate STEM-based literature that has a strong minority or female lead. It is critical that students see engineers, scientists, and mathematicians of different races and genders. We currently have a “STEM Lunch & Learn” program where girls can meet with a counselor once a week for a female STEM Trailblazer book club. In addition, we provide a quick hands-on activity to support the book.
Finally, we provide extra opportunities for high school students to attend STEM camps. Last summer, we awarded four scholarships to Georgia Tech’s P.E.A.K.S. (Programs for Enrichment and Accelerated Knowledge in STEAM) Summer program. We hope to double our scholarship opportunities next summer and extend the application to more schools across Atlanta.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I have a very strong faith and a sense of purpose that guides me in my daily life. I continue to look up and ahead when I am struggling. I am thankful for personal mentors in my life, like my mother and father, who have always guided me in the direction of personal growth and success. My husband holds my hand through trials and keeps me focused on my purpose and value within our family. In addition, I rely on professional guidance (and personal humor) from fellow educators that I admire and respect. I believe in the motto, “Someone is going to do it; why can’t it be me?” There are so many women who I admire; I love being surrounded by strong role models who model what it means to lead.
Favorite books:
A More Beautiful Question by Warren Berger
Bossypants by Tina Fey
Discover Your True North by Bill George
How to Work with and Lead People NOT Like You by Kelly McDonald
Favorite Apps
Track It Forward – Volunteer Time Tracking
EarthCam – Wonderful way to travel and let your mind roam
Pinterest – Ideas galore
Podcasts
Fitness Confidential with Vinnie Tortorich
Contact Info:
- Address: 4325 1st Avenue, #2277
Tucker, Georgia 30085 - Website: www.STEMforeverychild.com
- Phone: 404-593-9201
- Email: info@stemforeverychild.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildSTEM/
- Twitter: @ChildSTEM
- Other: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-bolsen-502a8616b/
Image Credit:
The educator pictured is Maeghan Donnell, McClendon Elementary.
The van shot is just so awesome! I call this my Swagger Wagon!
Students pictured all have photo release waivers signed.
Sample of the books we donate for Lunch & Learn Women’s STEM Trailblazers
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