Welcome to the vast and expansive STEM and STEAM universe that spreads across Los Angeles! In and around our city — from schools to community organizations — you can discover various programs that weave science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics learning.
Through engaging activities, dialogue and critical thinking in STEAM learning, students gain experience in topics that lead to concrete career paths. The best STEAM learning is expansive and illuminates a clear path that bridges academics to career opportunities. In this infinite STEAM universe, the sun, planets, comets and stars capture an array of local schools and programs that aim to prepare students for the boundless possibilities in their future.
Girls in STEM Club
Located inside the Columbia Memorial Space Center in Downey, the Girls in STEM Club aims to expose girls ages 8-18 to STEM-related opportunities and experiences to encourage them to explore STEM-related career fields. The program is built around activities and challenges that promote innovation. Through various learning methods, field trips, events, experiments and guest speakers, the Girls in Stem Club is grooming future women in STEM and creating a support system for young girls who may be interested in pursuing a STEM field. girlsinstemclub.org
STEM Prep Elementary
STEM Prep Elementary is a new school that serves students from transitional kindergarten through 4th grade. This school promotes equitable access to high-quality STEM pathways for women and minorities by offering free tuition. STEM Prep Elementary fosters a welcoming environment for students of all backgrounds and education levels through collaboration, innovation, passion and perseverance. stemprepelementary.org
The Learn Academy
The Learn Academy customizes educational solutions to fit specific students’ needs. It offers a continuum of special education and academic intervention needs. The academy provides professional development, school-based and online therapy services, as well as unique performance indicators to track academic success. thelearnacademy.com
The STEM Network
The STEM Network is an organization aiming to implement STEM education in elementary schools in Los Angeles and will incorporate more cohorts of schools in the years ahead. Program goals include empowering STEM-proficient students to answer complex questions, investigate global issues and develop solutions for real-world problems. stemschoolsla.org
STEM Schools of California
STEM Schools of California is made up of a collection of elementary, middle and high schools. Whether introducing foundational STEM concepts in elementary schools or providing college preparatory courses, these schools center student learning on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. stemschool.com/schools/california
STEM Preparatory Schools
STEM Preparatory Schools operates public charter schools in the South L.A. area. Administrators say they are committed to disrupting the inequitable challenges that STEM pathways often produce. They aim to inspire students and staff to solve problems through collaboration, innovation, passion and perseverance. stem-prep.org
The Science Academy
The Science Academy is a seven-year college-preparatory school incorporating intensive STEM learning methodologies that are innovative, unconventional and rigorous. The academy offers opportunities to students from all socio-economic and diverse backgrounds to break down common barriers in the STEM career path. thescienceacademystemmagnet.org
GENESIS STEAM
The GENESIS STEAM program tackles the various barriers that limit access to quality STEAM learning, including economic circumstances and school-funding limitations. The program offers free STEAM programming to students, schools and communities that need it most. genesissteam.org
The STEMPilot Program
The STEMPilot program offers flight simulation for students in STEM. This curriculum is used in different math, science and engineering classes to teach the theory of flight while students learn to fly on a flight simulator. STEMPilot also incorporates SAFEDrone kits to train students to fly with drone simulators. stempilot.com
Reach Academy for Young Men
Reach Academy for Young Men has launched a summer program to engage young men in topics ranging from political science to environmentalism and computer programing to music production. The academy helps young men learn various skills such as perseverance, teamwork, spirit and integrity. reachyoungmen.org
California Science Center
The California Science Center is a beloved educational resource boasting science exhibits and education programs. The center encourages curiosity, engages visitors in fun science learning and aims to use science to create a more inclusive and accessible world for all. californiasciencecenter.org
Stratford School
Stratford School offers academic programs that combine traditional teaching styles with 21st century learning principles. This allows students to explore science and math classes where hands-on creative learning techniques are the focus. stratfordschools.com
STEM3 Academy
The Help Group’s STEM3 Academy, with campuses in Valley Glen and Culver City, is for bright, curious, technology-driven students in grades K-12 with social and/or learning differences. stem3academy.org
Anna Gregory is an editorial intern at L.A. Parent and a senior at UCLA, where she writes for Daily Bruin, the student newspaper.
