A good cause to support, get kids flying into the future. -- Hi John, I hope all is well. USC University did a great story on us that is playing on PBS stations across the country impact.uscannenberg.org/segments/2013/05/compton-flying TAM’s successes demonstrate clear potential – of the youth we serve and of the organization as a whole. Today, in order to move forward and fully institutionalize and enhance the STEM instruction that TAM is providing, it is critical that we secure capacity-building support. In seeking to grow our capacity, we are driven by the following goals: (1) to enhance our afterschool and summer programs, adding new components so as to maximize the participation and success of youth at every level of readiness. (a) We recently introduced Fundamentals of Aviation (FOA), which focuses both on STEM disciplines and life skills and was designed specifically for high school students (ages 14-18). In addition to making revisions to those lesson plans, we also are developing an intermediate curriculum to inspire ongoing participation from those youth who express interest in training to obtain a pilot’s license. In addition, we are developing an FOA curriculum for middle school students. (b) Our afterschool and weekend Flight Simulator classes promote STEM learning by teaching flight controls. We will increase attendance through enhanced, efficient recruitment of youth as well as of volunteers. (c) Our Commercial Space Prep Academy, launching in June 2013, will be invaluable to those youth who demonstrate a keen, committed desire to pursue coursework that will ultimately lead to careers in the fields of aeronautics, engineering, and/or technology. A comprehensive curriculum, which will be delivered by the Academy’s mentor-counselors both at TAM and in local school classrooms, will help participating youth develop the skill sets they will need as they enter college – and ultimately – the workforce. (d) As an Aviation Explorers post, TAM is connected to a nationwide program that has developed its own Learning for Life curriculum, which is designed for youth ages 14-21. As we increase program participation and guide our students through the other lesson plans that TAM offers, we will infuse the national curriculum and particularly its goal of promoting interdependence and youth leadership. (e) For participants who are not quite ready to delve into the more STEM-focused programming, TAM offers Tutoring and Homework Assistance. We are currently cultivating collaborative partnerships so as to increase the number of volunteers committed to this component. At the same time, we are working to infuse structure into the methodologies we use as we provide this basic academic assistance. (f) TAM’s Starfleet Academy Summer Camp, comprising two 4-week programs (Mon-Fri, 11am – 5pm), is designed to offer participants a variety of opportunities for learning and recreation. Features include STEM activities, fitness for flight training, field trips, and guest speakers. In addition, a hot meal will be provided to each camper every day. The per-student cost for camp is $287/week, and TAM will offer scholarships for those families who cannot afford this fee. (2) to grow our infrastructure so as to ensure seamless delivery of programming. (a) In the past, TAM benefited from the involvement of VISTA volunteers who provided the majority of the human resources needed to maintain programming. Today, we are seeking a more traditional staffing structure, and we must acquire the funding to underwrite corresponding salaries and benefits. As a result of optimum staffing, TAM also will be better able to recruit and retain volunteers. (b) In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of our programs, we will adopt and implement strong evaluation tools that are designed to measure not only increases in STEM knowledge but also the developmental assets of participating youth. (c) TAM’s capital needs are unique, as we not only utilize computers and software, but some of our programming takes place in the skies. Our maintenance costs must be met; we must be in the position to upgrade our technological systems as new software is developed; and as we create more advanced programming (e.g., the Commercial Space Prep Academy), we will need to purchase state-of-the-art equipment that provides youth with intensive, hands-on training. The two page doc is the next steps for TAM. Here is an overview of Commercial Space Prep. youtu.be/hOh1nAYksAU Here is what the Black Business Association had to say; youtube/watch?v=dbrfpgOHL4k&list=UUlhIk567JN7iUXs8EsMRB_w&index=1 Here is what they are writing about us now; Huffington Post: huffingtonpost/toan-lam/pilot-inspires-compton-ki_b_2765543.html Here is what the Nightly News had to say; The story was used at numerous NBC News affiliates around the country. nbcnews/id/3032619/#50667134 Steven Louie Researcher NBC Nightly News Burbank, CA 818.237.6181 Pass this on to as many people as you can. Robin
Posted on: Wed, 05 Jun 2013 20:48:58 +0000
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