Teacher: Samantha Vigil

School: Penrose Elementary School

Website: re-2.org

Address: 100 Illinois St., Penrose, CO 81240

Grade Level: Kindergarten - 6th Grade

Region: Southwest

Project Title: Family STEAM Night

Category: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

Funding Amount Requested: $2,000

Project Description:
Mrs. Vigil, an art/STEAM teacher at Penrose Elementary School, is organizing a Family STEAM Night on May 1, 2025. This event aims to connect students and their families to STEAM-related careers, helping students discover their passions and potential career paths. The event is expected to engage approximately 300-350 students from kindergarten through 6th grade. The activities planned will offer exposure to careers in various fields, from rocket science and earth sciences to dentistry and forensics. The goal is to inspire students from a small community to explore the wide range of opportunities available to them beyond their immediate surroundings.

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Impact:
The Family STEAM Night will expose students and families to a variety of STEAM careers, which will foster curiosity and help students realize their potential. This exposure to a wide range of careers outside their small community will broaden their horizons and encourage them to pursue further education and exploration in fields they may not have known about. The event will also help students develop an interest in STEAM-related subjects, preparing them for future success.

Use of Funds:
The funds will be used to cover the following costs:

• Portable Planetarium: $615.66
• MESO (Mobile Earth and Science Observatory): $564
• Rocket engines for rocket launch activity: $200
• Supplies for STEM stations and prizes: $620