Oceanside CA— The Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside (BGCO) was honored with the “Next Gen Educator” award from San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) at the STEM Champions Celebration on May 4th. They specifically were recognized for their success in implementing high-quality STEM programming.
The “Next Gen Educator” award is given by SDCOE to partnering organizations that have demonstrated exemplary efforts in increasing the rigor of STEM learning opportunities in expanded learning programs, to greater align with Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core Standards in Math. This recognition demonstrates BGCO’s alignment and partnership with regular school day educators in helping to close the achievement gap for students.
Over the past two years, BGCO has moved from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) focus to a STREAM (Science, Technology, Research, Arts and Math) focus, adding new emphasis on research and arts education to ensure a well-rounded after school curriculum. CEO Jodi Diamond remarks on the Clubs’ commitment of integrating STREAM into their programming:
“We are all about providing a kaleidoscope of STREAM opportunities so that youth can find their passion, whatever that may be. Thinking back to when we were kids, we gravitated to things that were interesting to us, now called inquiry based learning. We bring that fun and excitement into the lives of our members to solve real world problems and ensure they have the 21st century skills necessary to be successful.”
Examples of STREAM projects include building machines to display force in motion, an apprenticeship program with Coastal Roots Farm to learn farm-to-table and everything in between, researching ways to reduce waste and conserve water.
For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside visit their website BGCOceanside.org or Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/BGCOside