VOLUNTEERS WANTED: STEM S.T.A.R'S

Vista Maria, a non-profit that provides education, treatment, and resources, necessary for the full recovery of girls suffering abuse, neglect and trauma, is looking for companies to come in and engage middle school girls about the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) during the summer and fall of 2014 as part of Vista Maria’s 21st Century Community Learning Center program called Starting the Afternoon Right (STAR).

Vista Maria received the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant for $540,000 on behalf of the Michigan Department of Education last July to fund STAR. The girls have been participating in educational enrichment activities four times a week and every Saturday.

“It is critical for people to come and volunteer their time to the STEM program because the girls get to see women at work in STEM related fields in an uplifting way and the girls can see that they can do anything they put their minds to,” says Ateria Young, Journey to Success Residential Coordinator. The girls have built relationships with peers, staff, and volunteers; and enjoy going on field trips and learning new things.

Examples of upcoming STAR Program activities include: Michigan State University Extension is helping the girls’ plant flowers and vegetables, and also the girls are going to the Hands on Museum in Ann Arbor in June. Recently, Oakland University Medical School's American Medical Women's Association has come out and let the girls learn and touch real human hearts for their healthy heart program. Additionally, Geonisha Washington, the founder and director of Project: We Hope, Dream, and Believe, has visited and taught the girls important life skills; such as, communication, self-esteem, and how to handle their emotions and feelings.

Throughout the school year and the summer, Vista Maria is offering the STEM Program. The agency is still looking for volunteers. If any company is interested, please call Ateria Young at 313-271-3050 ext. 313.