SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Students from across the state of Illinois gathered at the state capitol to showcase their hard work and advocate for the inclusion of STEM education in after-school programs.
ACT NOW is an initiative that supports children throughout the state by ensuring these programs are easily accessible and properly funded to provide quality education.
Kim Turnbell from ACT NOW explains, "ACT NOW is the statewide after-school network. We've been around for about 15 years, and our main focus is to deliver quality programming after school. We ensure that there is adequate funding for these programs and that the professionals working there are well-trained, providing quality service to our kids."
This year, the program is emphasizing its STEM initiative. Students were required to develop their projects from start to finish while also learning how to present and pitch their ideas. The goal is to encourage students to step outside their comfort zones and raise awareness about the importance of STEM education.
Each student presented a unique project. For example, Allison, a participant from the Joliet YMCA, invented a new type of cutting board after identifying a problem in her everyday life. Allison shared, "One day, I was in the kitchen with my mom, and she was having a hard time cutting vegetables because the cutting board kept slipping." Her design ensures that the cutting board remains stable while her mom prepares dinner.
The opportunity for students to meet and share ideas with others is helping them gain confidence while also exposing them to new topics they haven't encountered before their day at the Capitol.
This day highlighted STEM education in a unique way, allowing students to showcase their hard work, which has set them on the path to becoming lifelong learners.
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