My name is Srinandini Marpaka and I am a sophomore at South Brunswick High School in New Jersey. This past summer, I mentored underrepresented children and noticed their great interest in science, technology, and art, but also that lack of resources limited their access to study these subjects in depth. This inspired me to do more research, through which I learned that socio-economic status and lack of funding have a greater impact on these children’s potential than cognitive ability.
After that experience, I decided to conduct a six day program for underrepresented students in New Brunswick, NJ (per capita income: $14,070) in which they will be exposed to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). Through lectures, discussions, and interactive activities, students will be introduced to the STEAM fields, astronomy and computer science. They will make connections to real-life applications and careers as well as gain hands-on experience programming computers and robots, solving equations, and turning their ideas into reality. On the fifth day, students will take a trip to the Rutgers Makerspace to learn about 3D printers, laser cutters, and other tools of invention. By the end, they will gain a broader perspective on STEAM and have the resources to further explore these fields.
To make this project successful, I am asking for your help! I need at least 15 Sphero SPRK+ Robots ($130.00 each) and Kano Raspberry Pi Computer Kit Bundles ($220.00 each). At the end of the program, all the devices will be donated to an elementary school in the New Brunswick School District, who will use them to engage students during the school day and after-school. Please consider donating and sharing this with everyone you know, as all the money will go directly towards spreading computer science education! Thank you :)
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