Building a Community: How Local STEM Workshops Change Lives

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, Allwood Branch Library, Library of the Chathams, and Roseland Free Public Library reaching more than 70 students, 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.

“We had a parent tell us her daughter asked to come back the next week before the session was even over. That is when we knew this was working.”

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.

How to Bring a Workshop to Your Community

1. 1

   Identify a venue

   Libraries, community centers, churches, and schools can all work.

2. 2

   Connect with us

   We can discuss curriculum, materials, and promotion.

3. 3

   Promote locally

   Community groups, flyers, and local partners help reach families.

4. 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.