Staff buy-in and co-development is critical. They provide skills and community engagement know-how that is essential to STEM learning – for example, who on your staff speaks a language in addition to English? STEM can seem intimidating if you have never tried it before. Give everyone the time and materials to try a hands-on STEM activity and experience, firsthand, that you don’t have to be an expert to succeed! When facilitating STEM explorations with tweens, it may be essential to have multiple staff assisting with your program. Also, look to your community! What STEM role models in your community reflect diverse cultural and social backgrounds? What organizations can volunteer their time and STEM expertise? Do you have teens or trade school or college students who can help facilitate a program? Be mindful of the time it may take to get background checks for outside volunteers.
