Unleashing Potential Receives $10,000 Grant from Bayer Fund for Youth STEM Activities

UCC-related Unleashing Potential (UP) recently received a $10,000 grant from the Bayer Fund to support Experience STEM Program activities for youth enrolled in after school and summer enrichment programs sites located in Missouri’s St. Louis, Ferguson/Florissant and University City School Districts. The grant will fund weekly hands-on activities, including Quirkles science experiments, LEGO WeDo robotics, and Bloxels coding; multiple weeks of cooking and chess instruction; and related field trips for summer participants that spark interest, enjoyment, and knowledge of STEM concepts.

STEM programming is a key component of Unleashing Potential’s after school and summer programming. UP’s programming includes character development; homework assistance; reading, math and physical fitness curricula; arts education; and nutrition for kindergarten through fifth grade youth. Thanks to Bayer Fund and others, these programs are provided at little-to-no cost for children from low-income families, enabling equitable access to STEM experiences that their families could not otherwise afford.

“We are grateful for Bayer Fund’s willingness to invest in the futures of our youth through STEM activities,” said Darlene Sowell, president & CEO of Unleashing Potential. “These exposures awaken children to the enormous potential that is available to them through related professions. We hope that these experiences increase their interest and the likelihood of their entering STEM related fields in the future.”