Rock the STEAM Team Inc.

Rock the STEAM Team envisions 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 systems that have prevented the full participation of certain communities of individuals, and provides adaptable solutions to meet personal learning needs.

Our 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 aim 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 and 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 do not 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.

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 from underrepresented communities 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.

Encourage and Model Inclusive Design Practices

Encourage all students who engineer solutions to problems to use universal and inclusive design practices.

Engage Learners 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.

Family & 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 and employees 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 and schools to foster students’ sense of belonging in STEM

Provide professional development resources, programs, and materials that will support local teachers and school districts 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 communities of people.

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:

We 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. We offer 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.

We commit 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.

Our Programs

DIVERSITECH DANE

DiversiTECH Dane is an educational program designed to empower youth and adults with disabilities by providing them with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to pursue careers in advanced technology fields. Through a combination of interactive workshops, hands-on training, and mentorship opportunities, participants will learn about innovative applications of advanced technology and how it can support individuals with disabilities in the workforce.

By broadening access to advanced technology careers and creating a 21st-century workforce inclusive of individuals with disabilities, DiversiTECH Dane aims to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech industry.

WOMEN WITH STEAM

Women with STEAM is a program designed to foster young women's interest in STEAM programs and careers by emphasizing and integrating practices of the arts to deepen understanding of STEM disciplines. Our aim is to provide workforce development and educational workshops that economically empower and connect women with mentors within the STEAM workforce community.

We believe that Women with STEAM is expected to be an annual program that closely follows the school year with the upcoming program beginning on October 1, 2024, and ending on June 8, 2025. We recognize the importance of fostering interest and providing opportunities for young women in STEAM fields, particularly those who may face barriers due to socio-economic factors or lack of exposure. Through the Women with STEAM program, we aim to address these challenges by offering hands-on workshops, mentorship opportunities, and career exploration activities.

TOMORROWTECH TEAM

The TomorrowTech Team is an innovative educational program designed to immerse students in the world of robotics and NASA engineering and equip them with the skills needed to tackle future challenges.

Through hands-on activities, interactive workshops, and project-based learning, participants will engage with innovative technologies and explore solutions to real-world problems.

This program is funded in part by the NASA Glenn Research Center Guardians of Honor, LLC and Robotics Education and Competition Foundation, Inc.

EQUIFARM INITIATIVE

The EquiFarm initiative is committed to addressing issues of equity, sustainability, access, profitability, and resilience within diverse communities in Dane County, Wisconsin.

Through a multifaceted approach that encompasses urban agriculture, community empowerment, environmental stewardship, economic development, and policy advocacy, the EquiFarm program aims to build a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient food system that benefits all residents.