Our Story: Partnering with the St. Louis Mental Health Board for Mind & TECH: STEM Empowerment After School

At STEM on Wheels, we believe that success in education goes hand-in-hand with mental well-being. Our Mind & TECH: STEM Empowerment After School program is designed to not only ignite students' interest in STEM but also foster their emotional resilience and overall health. That’s why we are thrilled to partner with the St. Louis Mental Health Board (MHB) to offer a holistic approach to learning that integrates mental health support alongside innovative STEM education.

Why This Partnership Matters

Our students come from underserved communities in St. Louis, where access to both STEM education and mental health resources can be limited. These are children and teens aged 8 to 18, mostly from low- to moderate-income African American families, who face various barriers—from financial hardship to a lack of role models in STEM fields. In these circumstances, social-emotional well-being is just as crucial to their success as academic proficiency.

Our partnership with the St. Louis Mental Health Board allows us to expand our impact by addressing the emotional and psychological needs of our students alongside their academic growth. Together, we provide them with the tools to not only excel in STEM but also to build resilience, self-confidence, and the social skills necessary for long-term success.

The Heart of Our Program

Mind & TECH: STEM Empowerment After School provides a well-rounded experience where students engage in hands-on learning in LED technology, drones, robotics, and computer building, while also participating in activities focused on mental well-being and emotional health. Our collaboration with MHB makes it possible to offer comprehensive support through:

• Behavioral Health Support: MHB provides licensed counselors and emotional health coaches to help students navigate their personal challenges. Through one-on-one and group sessions, students learn to cope with stress, build self-awareness, and practice mindfulness, helping them stay focused and engaged in their STEM learning.

• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): By incorporating SEL into our workshops, we empower students to improve their communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. These skills are crucial in the STEM fields and in everyday life, helping students succeed not only academically but also in building positive relationships.

• Family Engagement: A key part of our model is involving parents and caregivers in the learning process. With support from MHB, we offer workshops and resources that help families understand the mental health aspects of their children’s growth. This holistic approach strengthens family bonds and creates a supportive learning environment both in and outside the classroom.

Building Strong Minds and Future Innovators

The partnership between STEM on Wheels and the St. Louis Mental Health Board is about more than just teaching STEM skills. It's about preparing students for life. We believe that mental health and emotional resilience are critical components of success in any field, and especially in the high-pressure, problem-solving world of STEM.

Program Impact

By integrating mental health support into our program, we’re able to make a measurable difference in both the academic and emotional development of our students. Our program, supported by the St. Louis Mental Health Board, is designed to achieve several key outcomes:

• STEM Proficiency: Students work on collaborative projects that enhance their technical skills in LED lighting, drones, and robotics. With the support of mental health resources, students can focus better, handle stress more effectively, and achieve higher levels of proficiency.

  • 80% of students will improve LED circuit design by 50%.

  • 85% will increase drone programming and control by 60%.

  • 90% will enhance their robotics skills by 70%.

• Emotional and Social Growth: Through SEL activities and mental health support, we aim for:

  • 85% of students to show a 40% improvement in teamwork.

  • 90% to increase problem-solving skills by 50%.

  • 80% to improve communication abilities by 35%.

• Physical and Mental Well-being: Regular physical activities, supported by MHB, help students increase their fitness while boosting mental clarity and emotional well-being. We track:

  • 75% of students reporting a 30% increase in physical activity.

  • 80% of students improving their health knowledge by 40%.

Holistic Learning for a Brighter Future

Through this partnership, we ensure that every student receives the support they need to thrive, both academically and emotionally. Mind & TECH: STEM Empowerment After School is more than just a program—it’s a transformative experience that builds strong minds, resilient spirits, and future innovators.

Program Duration: October 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025
Total Program Hours: 256 hours (Saturdays, Wednesdays, and Summer Workshop)
Locations:

• Greater Saint Paul Church: 5503 Gilmore Ave., St. Louis, MO

• Unity Chapel Church: 5250 Thekla Ave., St. Louis, MO

• Walbridge STEM Academy: 5000 Davidson Ave., St. Louis, MO 63120

Our Collective Vision

At STEM on Wheels, we believe that every child deserves the chance to succeed—both in the classroom and in life. By partnering with the St. Louis Mental Health Board, we’re not just teaching students how to code, build, and fly drones; we’re also teaching them how to manage stress, build healthy relationships, and believe in themselves. This holistic approach is our key to unlocking their full potential.

Together, with MHB, we’re creating a future where young people from underserved communities can achieve not just academic success but emotional well-being and personal growth. We’re proud to be making a difference, and we’re just getting started.

Join Us in our mission to empower the youth of St. Louis with the tools to succeed in STEM and in life. Together, we can help shape a brighter, more equitable future.