STEMM Parent Academy
Forging pathways for students to excel in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, & Medicine (STEMM).
Welcome to the STEMM PATH Navigator Academy (SPNA) for Parents!
CPASS launches this groundbreaking initiative to support families in their journey to raise a “STEMM-Ready” scholar. SPNA is designed to provide parents/guardians with essential tools, resources, & strategies to cultivate “STEMM readiness” from kindergarten to college.
Our comprehensive curriculum includes nine (9) sessions, each tailored to a specific scholar age group. Parents/guardians are empowered to customize their participation, joining as many sessions as they wish. Every session is approximately 1.5-2 hours. As part of our commitment to accessibility, every session will be recorded and shared exclusively with CPASS program participant families.
See below for course descriptions and registration. For more information contact us at: info@cpassfoundation.org
STEMM PATH Navigator Academy Schedule and Registration
Orientation
General: Parents/Guardians of all student age groups (k-college)
Date & Times:
November 14, 2023 @ 7:00 – 9:00 PM CST
Class Description:
The STEMM PATH Navigator Academy is a comprehensive and interactive program designed to empower families with the knowledge and tools needed to guide their children toward a successful journey in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, & Medicine (STEMM).
In this course, you will understand the significance of STEMM education, its impact on future career opportunities, and how you can play a pivotal role in nurturing your child’s STEMM readiness.
Class Outcomes:
- Define STEMM and why it is important to
students underrepresented (UR) in STEMM. - Define STEMM careers.
- Share pathways to STEMM careers including summer activities and out-of-school programs.
- Understanding real-world applications of STEMM in various industries/careers.
Overcoming Barriers & Advocacy: Imposter Syndrome and Stereotypes
General: Parents/Guardians of all student age groups (k-college)
Date & Times:
February 6, 2024 @ 7:00 – 9:00 PM CST
Class Description:
In this course, you will explore the barriers to STEMM careers and success for underrepresented in STEMM (URiS) students how you can identify, these barriers, and how to advocate for your children.
Class Outcomes:
- Define Imposter Syndrome.
- Identify false stereotypes and narratives about URiS students.
- Provide tools for parents to advocate and support their children.
- Highlight the importance of networking and community involvement in the STEMM field.
- Provide guidance on connecting with local STEMM organizations, attending events, and accessing mentorship opportunities for parents and students.
- Familiarizing parents with the education system and advocating for equitable access to quality STEMM education.
STEMM Engagement & Markers of STEMM Interest
Parents/Guardians of students in K-5th grade
Date & Times:
November 28, 2023 @ 7:00 – 9:00 PM CST
Class Description:
In this course, you will gain deeper
understanding of the importance of early STEMM engagement and define markers of STEMM interest and how to cultivate it with your children.
Class Outcomes:
- Define markers of STEMM engagement: STEMM identity and belonging.
- Tools to support a STEMM-interested child even if the parent is not “STEMM fluent”.
- Explore Common Core Math
- Provide resources:
- Khan Academy Get Ready
- Local Museum and Science Center
Experiences - Math
- Show parents how to leverage everyday life in
teaching STEMM - Give examples of how parents can ask their kids
questions about everyday phenomena. - Inquiry-based parenting leading to methods
parents and kids can research together.
Advocacy and Engagement
Parents/Guardians of students in K-5th grade
Date & Times:
February 27, 2024 @ 7:00 – 9:00 PM CST
Class Description:
Fostering STEMM Advocacy & Engagement at home is an inspiring and practical program designed to empower parents as advocates for Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) education and to equip you with simple yet effective methods to engage your K-5 children in playful STEMM learning experiences right at home. Through a combination of informative sessions and hands-on activities, parents will develop the confidence and skills needed to nurture their child’s natural curiosity and creativity while cultivating a strong foundation in STEMM.
Class Outcomes:
- Advocate for the importance of STEMM education and its relevance in today’s world.
- How to advocate in the school for proper STEMM education.
- Facilitate engaging and educational STEMM experiences using household items.
- Encourage your child’s creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills through playful learning.
- Create a supportive and stimulating environment that nurtures a passion for STEMM from an early age.
- Forge lasting memories through shared STEMM adventures that promote bonding and growth.
Raising a STEMM-Ready Child
Parents/Guardians of students in 6th-8th grade
Date & Times:
December 12, 2023 @ 7:00 – 9:00 PM CST
Class Description:
This course is designed to equip you with the insights, strategies, and tools needed to foster a strong foundation in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) for your children. Through engaging discussions, hands-on activities, and practical guidance, parents will learn how to inspire a STEMM mindset, cultivate resilience, and ensure math proficiency while nurturing a positive attitude toward challenges and learning from mistakes.
Class Outcomes:
- Foster a STEMM mindset characterized by curiosity, perseverance, and a positive attitude toward challenges.
- Identify STEMM-related interests and integrate them into everyday life and activities.
- Select enriching reading materials and after-school programs that promote STEMM engagement.
- Strengthen math skills through purposeful learning and real-world application.
- Guide your child to embrace failure as a stepping stone toward growth and success.
Creating a STEMM-Ready Environment
Parents/Guardians of students in 6th-8th grade
Date & Times:
March 19, 2024 @ 7:00 – 9:00 PM CST
Class Description:
This course is designed to empower you with the knowledge and strategies needed to create an optimal environment for nurturing Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) readiness in your children. Through enlightening discussions, practical guidance, and actionable steps, parents will learn how to advocate for STEMM education within schools, select enriching extracurricular activities, and provide meaningful career
exposure, both directly and indirectly, to inspire and support your child’s STEMM journey.
Class Outcomes:
- Establish a nurturing STEMM-ready environment that fosters curiosity and exploration.
- Effectively advocate for math and science excellence within schools.
- Select enriching extracurricular activities that align with STEMM learning goals.
- Provide meaningful career exposure through both direct interactions and indirect inspiration.
- Collaborate with educators and professionals to support your child’s STEMM journey.
STEMM and Academic Focus
Parents/Guardians of students in 9th-12th grade
Date & Times:
January 9, 2024 @ 7:00 – 9:00 PM CST
Class Description:
In this course, you will better understand how to map a “College-Ready Journey”. Through this course, you will be empowered with the insights, tools, and strategies needed to ensure your child is on a robust college-ready path, particularly in the realm of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM). Through insightful discussions, actionable guidance, and focused activities, parents will explore STEMM-focused after-school and summer programs, and academic necessities, and create environments that foster academic excellence while balancing extracurricular commitments.
Class Outcomes:
- Gauge your child’s college readiness and take proactive steps to enhance their academic journey.
- Choose focused STEMM after-school and summer programs that align with their child’s interests and goals.
- Strengthen academic necessities, including test prep, math proficiency, and literacy skills.
- Foster an environment that supports academic excellence while allowing for extracurricular pursuits.
- Instill a STEMM-ready mindset characterized by persistence, curiosity, and a passion for learning.
College Readiness
Parents/Guardians of students in 9th-12th grade
Date & Times:
April 16, 2024 @ 7:00 – 9:00 PM CST
Class Description:
This course, is a comprehensive and empowering course that equips you with the knowledge, strategies, and resources needed to guide your children on a successful path to college, STEMM education, and rewarding careers. This course focuses on fostering a solid foundation in STEMM college readiness, providing exposure to STEMM opportunities, and defining the vital role of mentorship. You will gain valuable insights into selecting the right college, preparing for STEMM studies, and accessing mentorship and internship opportunities that elevate your child’s educational journey.
Class Outcomes:
- Foster STEMM college readiness, equipping your child with essential skills and knowledge.
- Provide exposure to diverse STEMM opportunities and experiences that inspire and motivate.
- Define the role of mentorship and guide your child in seeking and building meaningful mentor relationships.
- Navigate the college selection process with a focus on STEMM program quality and a supportive environment.
- Prepare your child for college applications,
standardized tests, and accessing scholarships
& internships.
Empowering your STEMM College Student
Parents/Guardians of students in College
Date & Times:
May 14, 2024 @ 7:00 – 9:00 PM CST
Class Description:
This is a comprehensive course designed to provide you with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to support your college student in pursuing a successful and fulfilling STEMM education. This course focuses on guiding you in helping your college STEMM student excel academically, explore research and internship opportunities, and make informed decisions about majors and minors that align with their interests and aspirations.
Class Outcomes:
- Provide essential support to your college STEMM student, promoting academic success and effective time management.
- Advocate for and explore valuable research and internship opportunities that enhance career readiness.
- Guide your college student through the crucial junior year milestone of securing STEMM internships and job opportunities.
- Encourage skill development through non-paid experiences and volunteer opportunities in labs and professional settings.
- Assist your college student in defining and selecting a major and minor that align with their STEMM passions and future goals.
Fostering STEMM interest with your child
As a parent, you can help foster your child’s interest in STEMM
- Encourage curiosity – encourage your child to ask questions and explore their interests. Be patient and supportive when they have questions or want to investigate something further.
- Provide hands-on activities at home – cook with them or do simple science experiments using things you already have at home.
- Challenge them to problem-solve – ask questions and allow them to provide solutions.
Get outdoors and explore. - Register for a STEMM Program – check out the CPASS Database of STEMM Programs here.
- Purchase STEMM related toys and books.
- Visit a museum – Chicago Public Libraries offer free passes to many of the area museums, check out their website.
- Read, read, read! – Introduce your child to books and magazines related to STEMM topics. Look for age-appropriate STEMM information.
- Support Their Interests – listen to your child’s specific interests within STEMM. Whether it’s robotics, medicine, coding, or biology, support their passions by providing resources and opportunities related to their interests.
- Support Math Skills – success in math is a foundational component of STEMM. Help your child develop strong math skills through practice and by explaining how math is used in everyday life.
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