STEAM Program

What is a STEAM Program?

The STEAM Program (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) is a multidisciplinary educational approach designed to equip students with critical thinking, creativity, and technical skills. For over 13 years, this initiative has delivered high-quality, Spanish-language STEAM education to students and teachers across Latin America through hands-on learning and project-based methodologies. Now, in partnership with UC San Diego Extension’s Division of Extended Studies (DES), the program expands its reach, offering accredited courses and immersive experiences.

Why is STEAM Education essential?

The purpose of the STEAM program is to bridge gaps in access to quality education, particularly for underserved Hispanic communities. Traditional education often isolates subjects, but STEAM integrates disciplines to foster innovation and real-world problem-solving. For instance, the program’s Professional Teacher Training Workshop empowers educators with strategies that boost student engagement in technical subjects. With DES’s support, the program now scales STEAM education in Spanish, ensuring cultural and linguistic relevance for students and teachers in Latin America and beyond.

Expanding access: STEAM education in spanish

A cornerstone of this initiative is its focus on Spanish-language STEAM education. By adapting curricula to Spanish, DES and the Institute break down systemic barriers for non-English speakers. Starting in late 2022, DES launched STEAM Labs and hybrid courses, enabling remote communities to access cutting-edge resources. This effort not only supports students but also offers teachers accredited pathways for professional growth through DES’s existing training modules in project-based learning.

UC  San Diego integration: Scaling the STEAM program  

The collaboration with UC San Diego Extension marks a transformative phase for the STEAM Program. By merging the Institute’s frameworks with DES’s infrastructure, the program now provides:

• STEAM Labs for middle and high school students.

• Expanded student STEAM experiences, including Science & Innovation Summer Camp for high school students.

• Professional Teacher Training Workshop for secondary school teachers.

Leadership from Institute President Richard Kiy and STEAM Director Sherry White ensures continuity, while DES’s resources amplify delivery through online and experiential formats.