The hardest part of starting Avanza STEM was believing that showing up to a library with materials and a laptop could matter.
After programs at Clifton Public Library and Allwood Branch Library, the answer is clear: it matters because students see that STEM belongs to them too.
What a Workshop Actually Looks Like
Our current format is a three-week series covering engineering, coding, and AI. Each session is free and requires no prior experience.
Students build, write Python, and train simple AI models while connecting each activity to real STEM ideas.
Why Libraries Are the Right Venue
Libraries are trusted community spaces committed to free public learning.
- No cost to attend
- A familiar and safe space
- A real relationship with the community
- Flexible rooms and technology
- Access for students from multiple schools
What We Have Seen in the Room
The best moments are students adding questions to their Python games, families seeing this programming in their neighborhood for the first time, and kids arguing productively about science.
When curiosity is taken seriously, students are more likely to seek out more learning.
The Representation Problem - and Why It Is Ours to Solve
Hispanic students remain underrepresented in STEM because of gaps in exposure, mentorship, encouragement, and access.
The Gap We Are Trying to Close
How to Bring a Workshop to Your Community
- 1
Identify a venue
Libraries, community centers, churches, and schools can all work.
- 2
Connect with us
We can discuss curriculum, materials, and promotion.
- 3
Promote locally
Community groups, flyers, and local partners help reach families.
- 4
Show up consistently
Trust grows over time.
What Comes Next
Our goal is to expand to more library branches and community centers and share a model others can replicate.