Due to the generous funding of $125,000 from Boeing, the Central Puget Sound Boys & Girls Clubs Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Collaborative has been able to provide STEM programming to 500 youth in 4 Club organizations. These organizations are Boys & Girls Clubs of King County, Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County. The purpose of the Collaborative is to provide members high-yield learning activities, virtual engagement with STEM professionals, virtual and in-person field trips, and career exploration and development opportunities. The Collaborative also provides staff with networking opportunities and training in STEM. Clubs collaborate with each other through the sharing of their STEM programming to learn and grow from one another and better develop their STEM programs.
The Collaborative serves children ages 5-19, many of which are underrepresented in STEM fields. It provides them with life skills and the proficiencies necessary to thrive in a post-secondary environment. Washington state is ranked second in the nation for STEM careers. Giving youth the opportunity to flourish and grow in STEM to possibly make it their career is one focus of the Collaborative.
Boeing also participates in Liftoff for Learning. The program started off providing youth with school supplies for the new school year then developed into the funding of Clubs’ educational programming. Boeing employees offer their time and expertise to volunteer in person in Clubs and virtually, donate directly, engage in departmental fundraising, as well as gift matching. In August 2020 for example, Boeing employees raised over $30,000 for Clubs. Boeing employees also provide STEM presentations, inspiring youth to explore opportunities in aerospace and the manufacturing industry.
