EP#64 - UNLOCKING THE FUTURE: EMPOWERING MINDS THROUGH STEM with Dr. Dieuwertje Kast

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Dieuwertje "DJ" Kast, the Director of STEM Education Programs at USC Joint Educational Project, about "Unlocking the Future: Empowering Minds Through STEM." We explored the impactful work DJ and her team are doing to make STEM education accessible and engaging for underserved students, particularly in Title I schools in downtown Los Angeles.Here are some Key Questions I Asked DJ Include:How did your journey lead you to your current role as the Director of STEM Education Programs at USC?What inspired you to transition from marine biology to STEM education?Can you share the challenges you've encountered in providing STEM instruction to underserved students and how you've overcome them?How does the Young Scientist Program support K-5 students in learning STEM concepts?What is the significance of the STEAM-powered Career Children's Book Series in promoting diversity and representation in STEM?What advice would you give to someone looking to get involved in STEM education in their community?Here are some Key Takeaways from Our Discussion on "Unlocking the Future: Empowering Minds Through STEM":The Power of Early Exposure: DJ emphasized the importance of early exposure to STEM fields, sharing how programs like summer science camps and strong mentorship helped guide her toward a career in STEM education.Supporting Underserved Communities: The programs DJ oversees focus on providing STEM education to low-income students of color, ensuring that they have access to high-quality STEM learning experiences that are both hands-on and culturally relevant.Grocery Store Science: One innovative approach DJ uses is "grocery store science," where students engage in hands-on experiments using materials that are readily available at home. This approach not only keeps costs low but also makes STEM activities more accessible for students to replicate outside the classroom.Promoting Diversity in STEM: The STEAM-powered Career Children's Book Series highlights diverse characters and real scientists of color, aiming to inspire students by showing them role models who look like them and work in various STEM fields.Overcoming Challenges in STEM Education: DJ discussed the challenges of navigating school district policies and leadership turnover, stressing the importance of transparency, building trust with school leaders, and aligning STEM programs with the schools' core academic goals.Getting Involved in STEM Education: DJ advised listeners to explore local community resources, such as libraries and existing STEM programs, to find volunteer or internship opportunities that can connect them to STEM education efforts in their area.About the Host: Tiffani TeacheyTiffani Teachey is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) advocate, TEDx international speaker, and international best-selling author of the children’s book “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z,” the STEM Crew Kids Adventures series, and three empowerment books. She is the host of the Read It Right Radio Show on WDRBmedia. Tiffani owns Thrive Edge Publishing and is the owner/publishing consultant of Inspired Authors Publishing. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Management, both from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is a Leadership Studies Ph.D. student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.As an engineer with over 19 years of experience, Tiffani is passionate about inspiring the next generation to engage in STEM careers. She was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor. For more about Tiffani, visit her website at www.TiffaniTeachey.com. Check out the free STEM gift—the 10 STEM Scholarships & Organizations e-book—at www.stemistheway.com.