Parent’s Challenge - STEM Lecture Series and Guidebook
During my fellowship with Parent’s Challenge, I conducted a semester-long research project to identify STEM education and career pathways for low-income students. I created a 40-page guidebook and a one-hour seminar to help families navigate the STEM college admissions process. This comprehensive material, presented annually to hundreds of low-income families, provides practical advice, resources, and insights to empower them in achieving higher education aspirations.
Goal: Identify STEM education and career pathways for low-income students and provide resources to navigate the STEM college admissions process.
Role: Consultant who researched and created a 40-page guidebook, and developed a one-hour seminar to support low-income families with STEM college admissions.
Outcome: Delivered annual guidebooks and seminars to hundreds of low-income families, significantly enhancing their ability to pursue higher education and STEM careers.
Phase one:
I gathered information data on attainable STEM career paths nationally and locally, including demand and growth statistics for each identified occupation, salary range, and the education required for each position (bachelors, associates, or apprenticeships). I organized this data based on level of degree required for position eligibility.
In addition to engineering pathways, I also incorporated career paths in other STEM industries: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Military Civilian Careers.
My work was geared for low-income families, so with this in mind I wanted to offer more work-based experience building opportunites. Apprenticeships allow students to learn while also being compensated for their work. 
In the spirit of providing many options for my audience I also sourced opportunities for those seeking associate degrees. Phase Two:
I created a curriculum roadmap for students interested in pursuing STEM. To complement this roadmap and help students and families across the city, I also provided a list of STEM specific course offerings and career technical programs offered in each district and a list of Colorado Springs resources, and scholarships.
I interviewed local school counselors and researched district set curriculums to better understand the offerings across each district in Colorado Springs. I created these visual aids to show both a science and math curriculum that can be followed (from Junior high through high school) to set a student up for the best success for acceptance into a stem college degree program. 
Each district in colorado Springs offers varying specialized stem programs. In addition to the curriculum maps, I researched and interviewed staff members across districts to better understand their district and school specific offerings. Students and families had the ability to read about each offering from each school in Colorado springs (both public and private options).Phase Three:
My client was considering creating a mentoring program and wanted mentoring best practices and model ideas. In addition to these best practices, I also researched different support and mentoring opportunities in Colorado Springs as possible opportunities for partnerships.
What I learned
During this project, I learned how to conduct a research consulting project for a real company, growing in project management, interviewing and research, and professional communication.
Project Management: I created a clear schedule of deliverables and set up phase presentations and meetings with the client. I learned to receive feedback and pivot as needed, effectively managing the project and ensuring open communication.
Interviewing and Research: I developed interview guides, conducted interviews, and organized my findings. This process taught me the importance of organization in gathering valuable insights and translating research into accessible material.
Professional Communication: I learned to organize information for readability, both in detailed written reports and concise presentations. This included using visuals to make dense information easier to understand.
