A homemade catapult, a miniature wind turbine or a simple robotics experiment can do more than just introduce a child to science. It can spark the confidence to imagine a future in engineering, technology or environmental research. In Katelyn Liu’s case, a young lady from California, the foundation for an ambitious endeavor was established by making these experiences available to children who might not have had the opportunity to participate otherwise. Wow! What began in 2022 as a few free workshops held at a local library has grown into something much more than that. That’s STEM, a youth-led nonprofit reaching thousands of students across continents. Scroll down to learn about her journey.
Making science accessible to everyone
According to the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, “Liu was the one who initiated WOW!” That’s STEM addressing the lack of quality science education available to underserved students, particularly girls and children from under-resourced communities.Her own experiences growing up interested in STEM shaped the initiative. Having once worried about whether she belonged in the field, Liu wanted younger students to experience science as something they could actively participate in rather than simply study in textbooks.The organisation now works with 48 community partners, including libraries, YMCAs, Title I elementary schools and youth organisations. Its workshops encourage children to experiment with engineering concepts through activities such as building catapults, designing wind turbines and coding robots.
From a library project to an international network
The initiative’s expansion has been driven by persistence and a community-focused approach. Liu initially contacted libraries and YMCAs through emails, eventually visiting organisations in person with lesson prototypes to demonstrate how the workshops could work.The effort has developed into a network of 21 active chapters, with programmes spanning six US states and seven countries. The We Are Family Foundation highlights how the initiative has also created opportunities for young people to become mentors, with more than 60 teenage volunteers trained to design and lead workshops.The organisation’s latest impact figures record 459 workshops conducted, 15,163 young people reached, 5,895 volunteer hours contributed and 18,525 STEM kits distributed. These figures reflect its growth beyond the earlier milestones of 375 workshops and more than 13,000 kits reported by the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes.
Taking science beyond the classroom
For Liu, science education is closely connected to environmental awareness. In addition, her work addresses the challenges faced by communities in Los Angeles. According to the We Are Family Foundation, urban heat islands and a lack of access to nature can restrict the opportunities that children have to learn about the ecosystems that are found in their immediate surroundings.Through WOW! That’s STEM, students participate in wildlife hikes, community science activities and habitat restoration initiatives. Liu has also received a microgrant from Roots & Shoots USA to introduce biodiversity research and life science education into Los Angeles classrooms. Her environmental work has additionally earned her Eagle Scout recognition.
Building confidence through hands-on learning
Funding the growing initiative requires a combination of restaurant fundraisers, community festival sales, grants and donated materials. Its teen volunteers also assemble science kits for children in different parts of the world, extending the programme beyond its physical workshops.WOW! That’s STEM believes that practical experimentation can build more than technical knowledge and they do so by providing students with opportunities to create, collaborate, and find solutions to problems. As per reports, it helps students develop strengths such as resilience, curiosity, and confidence.The action taken by Liu demonstrates how youth-led action can make science education more accessible to all students. What started as an attempt to help a few girls feel at home in STEM has become a growing international effort, encouraging thousands of young people to see themselves as scientists, innovators and future environmental stewards.Images Courtesy: Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes and WOW! That’s STEM