Our Philosophy
STEAM is defined as Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. At Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania, we strive to help learners develop new skills through the STEAM programming that they will utilize throughout their lives. Our programs are designed as a continuum for students who are part of the larger Boys & Girls Clubs of Western PA movement, while maintaining accessibility and affordability for students seeking to participate in quality STEAM programs that meet their individual needs and interests.
According to the World Economic Forum, technological advances will create 2.1 million new jobs within the next 10 years based in 21st century workforce skills, centered on ideas based in maker and technology.
Creativity and Problem Solving
From discussions about climate change to establishing partnerships for a school project, as creative thinkers, our participants are eager to tackle the myriad of challenges they encounter throughout their educational journeys. Our exposure level STEAM programs happen during After School Programming as well as specialty time blocks in and around the Pittsburgh area. These programs strive to maintain easy access for all students to join and participate, while scaffolding their learning with hands-on and engaging projects.
Indeed ranks creative problem solving as one of the top 4 skills that employers search for in the workforce. Problem solving and creativity are universal job skills that apply to any position and every industry.
Skill Development
Allowing students to delve deeper into topics is one of the incredible opportunities of our STEAM education that is interwoven into the rotations of our school based sites (Penn Hills, Duquesne, McKees Rocks, Glenshaw), brick and mortar Clubhouses (Carnegie, Lawrenceville, Somerset, Millvale, Pittsburgh), and specialty programs.
In our skill development programs, students go beyond exposure level as a means to engage with concepts in a more intentional manner. Whether the students study Robotics & Programming or participate in Chemistry & Artificial Intelligence, the skillset they develop is intended to better prepare them for their professional careers. By encouraging them to spend consecutive weeks engaging in their preferred area of work, the students become more motivated to broaden and deepen their skills all the while determining where their primary interests lie. This intrinsic approach to learning better prepares them for their future.
Members have the opportunity to explore and master crucial skills including computational thinking, data analysis, coding, research and design, problem solving, and interactive design.
Career Pathways
STEAM careers dominate the workforce. A critical component in our mission at Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania is to encourage our members to both build skill sets that will propel them into their futures and explore the variety of options available to them. Through our Career Development programs, members are guided and supported on a formalized journey; this includes filling in academic gaps, exploring career options and soft skills training, building relevant occupational skills and work experience, and developing a plan for their future.
Pittsburgh is at the epicenter of change, ranked ninth among 35 metro centers nationwide to become a booming innovation center. Companies are taking advantage of this opportunity for global expansion, and need skilled employees right in the Pittsburgh region.
About Our STEAM Programs
Build whatever you can imagine. Create something new. Discover how things work and move. Every time we wonder, the possibilities are endless. Whether you have never built or programmed anything, or whether creativity, imagining, building and programming are part of your everyday, we are a place where you can feel safe and supported as you try new things.
Want to hot glue your own tree house? Want to make slime? Want to program a robot? Come join us in our makerspaces after school or check out our classes!
Our PA Smart Awarded, AIPI + Teen Accelerator is not your average program. A pioneering and first of its kind program in the region and nation, AIPI is an intensive, interactive, hands-on and fun program that seeks to inspire the tech leaders and innovators of tomorrow. We do this by supporting the study of computer science, artificial intelligence, robotics, engineering and other closely related subjects by connecting youth to project based learning, mentorship/career exposure and connections to higher-education and industry. Learn more!
Did you know that STEAM jobs are expected to grow by 2.1 million? Even in non-STEAM related jobs, the skills developed in STEAM classes are being cited as those most looked at by management as needed in today’s workplace.
The process of creating, setting goals, working with peers, and problem-solving until success is achieved engages students in a way that few traditional classroom experiences allow. Makerspaces are proven to create students who are more resilient, able to use their creativity in productive and assertive ways, and ready to work collaboratively in real world business settings.
Help ensure every child has a GREAT FUTURE! Your support not only provides access and resources to local youth, but makes a direct impact on your community, region, and country. In helping us to do whatever it takes, you are helping to create a safe, where minds are educated, hearts are mentored, and opportunities are paved by our committed staff and Clubhouse members. Members are given the freedom to explore interests, build skills, and work towards career pathways. Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania is one of the only organizations that provides mentorship and community for members throughout their entire school career. With your help we can also set them up for GREAT FUTURES.
STEAM Educational Videos
Take a look through our STEAM Educational video series where we talk about topics like science, engineering, and our curiosity about the world around us.
New videos are uploaded regularly, so check in often for more!
Register for STEAM Programming
STEAM is a part of all after school programs, visit the Clubhouse of your choice to sign up for an after school program, or register here for specialty STEAM programs!