“Innovation comes from change, so be the change. Change starts with you.”
Amanda Gorman
Our Vision
We envision a world where EVERY person has access to STEM learning. We aim to ensure that STEM is accessible, engaging, and meaningful for all students through community-driven initiatives and the implementation and application of an equity framework to our educational resources, community Tech Hub, Makerspace, and professional development programs while creating a center that fosters belonging, promotes inclusive teaching, identifies barriers in our existing educational system that have prevented the full participation of certain groups, and provides adaptable solutions to meet individual learning needs.
Our Mission
The Rock the STEAM Team is on a mission to make STEAM learning accessible and inclusive for ALL people in rural Dane County and to engage local economically disadvantaged and distressed communities by contributing to, remaking, and advancing existing education and professional development systems to inspire individuals to seek science, technology, engineering, art and math careers through free K-12 equity-based, adaptable educational programming and adult technology and workforce development workshops at our local community Makerspace and Tech Hub.
Our Focus
Our objective is to create a nurturing environment within our Makerspace and Tech Hub where underrepresented individuals feel at ease, inspired, and empowered to cultivate their skills.
We are committed to acknowledging and embracing the unique perspectives and diverse backgrounds that underrepresented groups bring. Furthermore, we aim to address the deficiencies within educational systems that fail to cater to the needs of individuals or communities in the long term.
Inclusivity encompasses the entire spectrum of human diversity, including abilities, languages, cultures, genders, ages, and other forms of human differences.
Our goal is to promote innovation and foster a paradigm shift from conventional viewpoints to one that embraces human differences with curiosity. Through this approach, we aim to develop innovative and adaptable STEM programs that offer personalized experiences, resulting in more effective and inclusive systems for all.
Our Impact
Our targeted communities in rural Dane County include the Cities of Stoughton and Edgerton; the towns of Albion, Bristol, Burke, Christiana, Cottage Grove, Dunkirk, Dunn, Oregon, Pleasant Springs, and Rutland; the Villages of Belleville, Brooklyn, Cambridge, DeForest, McFarland, Oregon, Windsor, and Rockdale, and Utica; and all surrounding unincorporated Dane County.
How we plan to address the gap in rural Dane County
For STEM learning and opportunities to be available to all students, we must ensure that all students have equitable opportunities to access, belong, engage, and actively participate in an inclusive environment.
Universally Designed Programming
Universal Design ensures that our Makerspace is usable by the widest range of people possible, regardless of age, ability, or background. This includes:
- multiple ways for learners to ENGAGE with STEM learning,
- multiple ways for REPRESENTING information to learners, and
- multiple ways for learners to EXPRESS their understanding of the content
Tuition Free Programs
We focus on marginalized and underserved communities and we are committed to providing all programs at no cost to ALL students and their families.
We commit to reducing other barriers to participation including snacks, after-school travel, and other expenses that can allow disadvantaged youth to participate meaningfully.
Role Models and Representation
We will bring local business owners and individuals working with STEM companies to gain real-world exposure to the STEM industry and to meet diverse STEM professionals and role models.
Visibility of individuals with disabilities in STEM fields is important for inspiring and encouraging future generations. Efforts to highlight the achievements of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians with disabilities can help challenge stereotypes and promote diversity in STEM.
A space inclusive for all learners
Our programs, available in multiple languages and formats, are taught using gender and racially equitable teaching strategies.
Encouraging and modeling inclusive design practices
Encourage all students who engineer solutions to problems to use universal and inclusive design practices.
Engage Students in Programs Year-Round
Community organizations, that operate year-round, are ideally positioned to keep young people engaged by extending programming into the summer months.
Parental & Community Involvement
We intentionally engage parents, caregivers, and the community through STEAM sessions and sharing resources to ensure that our students receive holistic support in their STEM education journey.
Reduce barriers for students who may not otherwise have access to robust STEAM experiences
Implement strategies to make STEM education more accessible. This includes providing accessible learning materials, using inclusive teaching methods, and offering support services for students with disabilities.
Support teachers to foster students’ sense of belonging in STEM
Providing professional development resources as well as programs and materials that will support local teachers in fostering students’ sense of belonging in STEM.
We are committed to championing DEIAB in STEM learning.
What do we mean when we talk about diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging?
Diversity
Encompassing a wide range of identities, including race, ethnicity, gender, age, national origin, religion, disability, sexuality, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, veteran status, physical appearance, political ideology, life experiences, etc.
Equity
Fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while acknowledging that there are historically underserved and underrepresented populations and striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups.
Inclusion
An environment in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued as a fully participating member; one that embraces differences and respects all people.
Accessibility
The design, construction, development, and maintenance of facilities, information and communication technology, programs, and services so that all people, including people with disabilities, can fully and independently use them.
Belonging
The feeling that an individual is an important member of a group; that one readily identifies as a member of the group and feels a sense of connection, security, and affinity within it.
Equity Points
Rock the STEAM Team will measure its actions to achieve DEIAB in its programming by evaluating the following equity points.
Representation
- Foster an environment that inherently allows users especially those from historically marginalized communities to authentically see themselves as instrumental members of the STEM community.
- Provide an atmosphere that inherently allows users especially those from historically dominant communities to access additional authentic perspectives of who can and has engaged in STEM.
- Create a space that will engender a paradigm shift in the current narrative about who belongs in STEM.
Accessibility
Rock the STEAM Team will work to ensure that STEM concepts and practices, as well as the resources we provide, are accessible to all individuals of diverse abilities and learning differences to ensure that ALL users have equal learning opportunities. Some examples include:
- Physical Accessibility. A Makerspace that is wheelchair accessible, with wide aisles, ramps, and clear pathways. Workstations, equipment, and tools will be positioned at accessible heights to accommodate individuals with mobility impairments.
- Assistive Technology that enables individuals with disabilities to fully participate in maker activities. This may include screen readers, magnification software, alternative input devices, and assistive robotics kits as well as haptic programming to teach visually impaired learners how to code, 3D print, and more!
- Accessible Tools and Equipment that are easy to use for individuals with diverse abilities, including tools with ergonomic handles, tactile markers, and large-print labels for students with visual impairments.
- Commitment to Continuous Improvement. We commit to continuous improvement and ongoing learning in the areas of accessibility and inclusion by staying informed about emerging technologies, trends, and best practices in inclusive design and disability inclusion.
Inclusive Programming
Demonstrate how STEM applies to everyday life and how it can be used to drive positive change and address historical inequities by fostering a sense of personal relevance for all learners.
Rock the STEAM Team offers a diverse range of programming and workshops that appeal to individuals with different interests, skills, and abilities. We plan to host inclusive events including hackathons, design challenges, and maker fairs that celebrate diversity and creativity.
Community Engagement & Accountability
We seek to help learners build strong bonds with coaches, mentors, corporate sponsors, and partners to open doors to jobs, internships, and higher education.
Engage with the local community, including individuals with disabilities and disability advocacy organizations, to gather feedback and ensure that our Makerspace meets their needs and interests. Rock the STEAM commits to involving community members in the planning, design, and implementation of inclusive programming and initiatives.
We will establish feedback mechanisms to solicit input from Makerspace users on their experiences and suggestions for improvement and commit to regularly evaluating and updating accessibility features based on user feedback and best practices.
Meet our team
Our leadership team combines decades of experience in STEM careers, education, and professional development. Additionally, our team consists of volunteers and interns preparing to become the next generation of STEM professionals.
We are dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusivity where everyone feels valued and respected!
Toni Gardner
Executive Director & Board Chair
Patricia Costa
Director of Operations, Board VP
Gwendolyn Griffey
Board Member, Co-Owner Stoughton’s Best Afterschool and Summer Camp
Gregory H. Duckert
Program Outreach Manager, Young Entrepreneurs Program Leader
Student Volunteer
Agriculture Program Intern
Student Volunteer
Digital Prototyping & Design Intern