Fairfax County, Virginia is home to over one million residents, and has the highest concentration of tech-related jobs and the second highest median income in the country. However, like many other metro areas, Fairfax County is experiencing a significant change in demographics with a growing percentage of the population finding themselves ill-equipped to fill this rising influx of specialized jobs. In a coordinated effort to bridge learning gaps within and between communities by providing equitable access to technology, the STEAM Wagon was conceived.
STEAM is an educational approach that uses science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics as catalysts to engage and inspire individual-led inquiry and creative thinking. The STEAM Wagon is a “one-stop shop” geared for youth ages 0-18, but will serve residents of all-ages living in low-impact areas of Fairfax County, bringing the tools and resources for STEAM-oriented learning right into their neighborhoods. With a network of non-profit and community partners collectively operating the STEAM Wagon, participants will benefit from a safe and creative pop-up space where they can “walk in” with nothing more than an open mind, and “walk out” with a STEAM project of their own design, thereby opening the doors to further STEAM exploration.
Your gift will help us reach our goal of $10,000 towards the purchase of a fully-equipped STEAM Wagon, estimated to cost $50,000 total.
One STEAM Wagon is capable of reaching nearly 3,000 young people in the first two years of operation.
Materials we hope to include are:
· Tables and chairs
· Coding, circuit, and inventor kits
· DSLR Cameras
· 3D Printers and Pens
· Robotic devices
· VR Desktop PCs
· Laptops and Chromebooks
· Vinyl Cutter
· Sewing Machines
· Simple soldering kits
· Telescopes
