Disconnected? No, Never Connected In the First Place.
Achieving Equality and Yes, Black Lives Matter! — Linda Keene Solomon
As I continue my journey forward, I realize that I have slammed into yet another life inflection point, a turning point where indisputable change occurs! I had well-thought-out plans to redirect my remaining professional work years toward preparing youth to build a promising future which enables them to thrive as adults.
And indeed, everything was going according to plan! Weeks after my transition out of corporate America, I began supporting Atlas Corps, an amazing NGO. Atlas Corps provides international millennial social-action leaders with cross-cultural and leadership development opportunities. Over time, I identified a compelling community problem statement. It was focused on ensuring that underserved, female, and rural youth (as well as all other at-risk youth) benefit from the billions of dollars invested in Science-Technology-Engineering-Math (STEM) education.
Then, the first quarter of the calendar year 2020 arrived, a period in world history that will inevitably be recorded and remembered by all: COVID-19 is identified, named, and firmly established in our daily lives. But that’s not the only historical event of 2020. In June 2020, Black Lives Matter protests take place throughout our nation and in many places around the world.
Many of us, and perhaps one day all of us, will ask ourselves how can we support those who are oppressed — those who are treated inhumanely and are left behind to fail? I certainly challenged myself. Yes, I am a proud member of the African American race. However, I am one of the few extremely fortunate members of my race. I was provided with the best educational opportunities, exposure to the world, and mentors and friends who sponsored and supported me throughout my life’s journey. Therefore, it is no surprise that a question I ask myself, is “how can I help less fortunate members of my race?”
Everyone’s answer to this question is different. Upon reflection, my answer becomes clear: Focus on young people and provide them with experiences and exposure outside of the classroom that will help them to establish valuable and lasting connections.
Lasting connections. Connections to new educational opportunities, to mentors, to important experiences, to job training, and actual job positions. Yes, it is all about helping those who are underserved make “connections”. Connections they never had access to or any idea they even existed in the first place.
Instead of a focus on developing yet another STEM or STEAM (STEM with an “A” for Arts) educational program, my focus will continue down the path of “connecting”.
Ask yourself, what connections will you help to establish for those in need?
STEMbiotic Communities Inc. aims to connect the millions of kids to the programs already in existence.
Have you established a “connection” goal?
Mine is to ensure that every young person develops STEM literacy. Of course, it is as critically important as ever to develop basic literacy (reading and writing), competency in the arts and humanities fields, and even computer literacy.
However, today, regardless of job field or career type, STEM literacy has become a necessary competency area for all young people to thrive in our evolving digital and scientifically advanced society.
STEM literacy is a necessity for all youth, regardless of race, gender, or career path! Yes, a new connection. One that positions our youth to thrive and fulfill their dreams!
