Esperanza and the Franklin Institute were recognized with the Excellence in Volunteer Mobilization Award at the US2020 STEM Mentoring Awards on Oct. 10. These organizations distinguished themselves with their ability to recruit and leverage volunteers for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in Philadelphia.
“Volunteer recruitment is essential to the advancement of STEM education in communities,” said Gabriella Paez, EHED Education and Community Development Coordinator at Esperanza. “Our volunteers assist with our science events and programs in a number of ways, from helping with registration to mentoring youth to teaching our community about a number of science topics such as astronomy. Our volunteers are also a diverse group which includes middle school, high school, and college students, STEM professionals, and community members.”
Esperanza and the Franklin Institute have partnered to host several events in Hunting Park, including multiple Star Parties where the Franklin Institute provides telescopes and volunteer astronomers to allow the community to learn about and enjoy the night skies. Esperanza is also a local organizer for the Philadelphia Science Festival in Hunting Park, which includes the Science in the Park Day.
“These organizations have connected youth to science opportunities for years and have most notably done so through the Philadelphia Science Festival,” said US2020. “The festival engages youth across the Philadelphia region, and in 2017 recruited 253 volunteers that provided 2,200 hours of hands-on activities, programs and experiments. With over 200 partners from across the region, the Franklin Institute and Esperanza will continue to make a colossal impact on the region’s youth through volunteerism.”
By giving to Esperanza, you help us bring STEM education to children and youth in Hunting Park and beyond. Donate here, and help us alleviate poverty one student at a time.