When it comes to motivating youth, inspiration can strike anytime, anywhere – and things like classroom projects, field trips, after-school programs, and camp activities can all have a lasting impact on a student’s life. Over the past few years, the Monument Brandenburg Community Advisory Council (MBCAC) has sought to create more of these opportunities through its Community Partnership Initiative (CPI) grant.

After a tumultuous year dominated by virtual learning, the MBCAC chose to focus on youth education again for its 2021 grant – and was thrilled to receive several proposals that emphasized hands-on experiences. Ultimately, two finalists were invited to present their programs to the MBCAB: Meade County 4-H Youth Development and the Meade County College and Career Center.

“The MBCAC was unanimous: we loved both programs equally!” said Tonya Klinglesmith, Monument HR Business Partner, Brandenburg. “We very were impressed with both programs’ focus on developing leadership skills and confidence. And since we couldn’t decide between the two, we decided to name them both as recipients of this year’s grant!”

Youth education programs – particularly those focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields – are closely aligned with the Monument team’s passion and corporate giving focus. As co-recipients of the grant, both organizations will receive $5,000 to support their programs. Let’s learn more about them…

Who Codes? Girls Do!

If you owned a computer in the early 1990s, you might remember it as a fascinating (yet bulky) machine that involved 3.5-inch disks, games with basic graphics, and battling with your parents or siblings over who got to spend time on the phone…or the computer with dial-up internet. According to the national Girls Who Code organization, 37 percent of computer science graduates in 1995 were female.

Thirty years later, this technology is more sophisticated, accessible, and portable than ever, and computer science continues to be one of the fastest-growing and highest-paying fields in the United States – yet the percentage of females pursuing this area of study today has dropped to 24 percent.

Ashley Childs, Business, Marketing, and Computer Literacy instructor at the Meade County College and Career Center and local leader of the Girls Who Code program, explained that a significant reason behind this decline comes down to confidence.

“Several studies have shown that young females simply don’t see themselves in STEM-focused roles,” she said. “Many girls grow up thinking that computers and video games are things for boys to enjoy. We want to change this thinking by showing girls that not only is technology fun, it’s also for everyone – and that they are absolutely capable of succeeding in these fields.”

Established in 2012, the Girls Who Code organization is working to overcome this trend by addressing the gender gap employers and school programs face in STEM fields. A first-time CPI grant recipient, the Meade County College and Career Center is excited to bring the “Girls Who Code” program to the local community. With programs developed specifically for elementary, middle, and high school students, participants will learn valuable STEM skills as they design apps, websites, and more.

There’s nothing quite like the sense of pride that comes with solving a challenge and being able to say, “I did that!” which is why an essential component of the program involves giving the students the opportunity to create solutions to problems or needs they identify within the community. “We hope to build the girls’ confidence by planting a seed that grows over time and encourage them to pursue STEM-related majors in college,” said Ashley.

Following a kick-off event at the beginning of the school year, participants from 1st-12th grade will attend their designated club meeting each week. Throughout the year, the Girls Who Code students will work on STEM projects, and at the end of the school year, they will have an opportunity to present their work at a community showcase.

Moving “Full STEAM Ahead”

If you’ve ever attended a county fair, you’re probably familiar with 4-H Youth Development. But did you know that Meade County’s programs involve much more than arts, agriculture, and livestock?

Approximately 300 students participate in the area’s 4-H programs, but attendance tends to decline as students reach 6th-8th grades. With the positive response to their 2019 “Get STEAM’d Up!” program, the Meade County 4-H organization hopes to encourage more students to begin or continue participating by adding more STEAM-focused activities to their curriculum.

“Monument has been a wonderful community partner, and their continued support of our programs is truly appreciated,” said Deana K. Reed, County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development, Meade County. “We’re grateful to have not only the financial support, but also the support of several Monument employees who volunteer their time to serve as guest instructors and mentors. The opportunity to give our students exposure to adults who work in a real-life STEM setting – and can encourage and inspire them – is invaluable.”

The 2021-2022 4-H program is called “Full STEAM Ahead – On Track to Leadership.” It’s an especially fitting name, because it reflects how eager kids are to make up for lost time by getting back to learning in an in-person environment!

“We surveyed past participants and found that they wanted to spend more time exploring nature, so we’re excited to introduce an overnight version of our teen environmental camp,” said Deana. “This year’s program is all about developing leadership skills – and having additional time at the campsite will enable us to deliver a more meaningful experience.

Grant funds will also help support a monthly cultural arts club, which will focus on global arts, including fiber arts and local history in the form of photograph re-creation. For this, Reed hopes to partner with the Meade County Art Museum to create a display of projects to be submitted at the county fair before becoming part of a permanent gallery at the 4-H office.

“STEAM programs and activities that show real-world implications of knowledge in these critical areas can reinforce in-school learning and illustrate how STEAM benefits our society and our world as a whole,” said Tonya. “Monument is proud to support programs like ‘Full STEAM Ahead’ and ‘Girls Who Code’ – and to play a role in building an early love of STEAM, promoting diversity and inclusion in STEAM education, and building the next generation of innovators who will be developing the products and processes that will positively touch every aspect of human life.”

More about the Monument CPI Grant…

Established in 2018, the Monument CPI grant is an annual $10,000 designed to address a defined need in Meade County, which is home to Monument’s Brandenburg, Kentucky, site. In addition to youth education, the program has also focused on community land use.

Past grant recipients include:

2020: Meade County Schools, for the purchase of Chromebooks to support virtual learning

2019: Meade County 4-H, “Get STEAM’d Up!” program

2018: Brandenburg Riverfront Amphitheater project