The United Way of Windsor-Essex County has launched a new program to engage local youth.
WE STEAM focuses on science, technology, engineering, art and math.
This from program coordinator Jennifer Hitchcock who says it's been providing new opportunities to nearly 300 students in eight after school programs across the region since September.
She says the goal is to improve the grades and confidence of the students taking part.
"We're running this program, not only to have kids practice science and technology after school, but it's building that confidence. If there's a roadblock they're gaining the skills to overcome that, work as a team. Those skills are ones that are transferable to careers, to relationships, everyday life."
Hitchcock says they're encouraging kids to be curious and creative.
"The kids have just jumped right in. They're loving the activities and when kids have so much enthusiasm it's really easy for us to totally get engaged in the activities as well. So it really has been a great couple on months so far and we have lots of awesome activities still to go for the kids."
A poster at the United Way's STEAM Program launch (Photo by AM800's Rob Hindi)
She says the students learn by doing hands-on activities.
"That's the reason why it's so awesome to be in my job. I get to come to places like this and work with kids talking about what their ambitions are and what career paths they want to take. There isn't a better job than that, honestly, just seeing the smiles on the kids faces, that's pretty amazing."
WE STEAM was made possible through a two year, $350,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant.
— with files from AM800's Rob Hindi