About Us

Healing Youth Through Science, Technology, Engineering, arts, and Mathematics

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Our Values

Our organization pioneers the concept of healing through S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Arts, and Mathematics) while fostering an inclusive and loving community. We believe in creating a non-judgmental space where individuals can thrive, sparking curiosity and utilize S.T.E.A.M. as tools for healing trauma. Our aim is to transform fields that can often feel judgmental and competitive into sources of healing, joy, and innovation.

Through our comprehensive program, S.T.E.A.M Against Violence, we remain committed to our purpose, which is rooted in love, grace, and respect. We embark on a journey to nurture and develop leaders, scientists, technologists, engineers, artists, and mathematicians. Our goal is to provide solace and financial freedom to those impacted by trauma, particularly the youth in our community.

By embracing S.T.E.A.M. As a means to heal and empower, we work alongside the Bay Area community to address the impact of violence on our youth. Through unwavering love and support, we strive to transform S.T.E.A.M. from a barrier into healing tools that can help overcome the embedded trauma experienced by our youth.

Meet Our Board

Volunteering with S.T.E.A.M. Against Violence is a unique opportunity to make a profound impact in the lives of youth affected by violence. By sharing your time and skills, you will help create a nurturing and empowering environment where young minds can explore the wonders of STEM, heal from past traumas, and unlock their full potential. Your involvement will provide these young individuals with the support and mentorship they need to build a brighter future. Join us in making a tangible difference and be a part of a community dedicated to fostering hope, resilience, and opportunity.

Our Story

Growing up in Richmond and Oakland, CA, I was exposed to countless acts of violence. It surrounded me, engulfing my life. Gun violence claimed the lives of my family members. I watched my loved ones lose their lives to gun violence, drugs, and other acts of violence in my neighborhood. Unable to overcome the pain and suffering, I acted out as an adolescent. I became an at-risk youth myself, getting into fights, skipping school, and being expelled from every high school I attended. My actions led me to reform schools. Because of my behavior, no one would give me a chance. I eventually completed my last 10 credits at Berkeley Adult School and graduated with my high school diploma.

Later, I enrolled in Laney Community College, where I met my first Black math instructor. She believed in me and gave me a job tutoring math in her class. She also became my mentor and supported me every step of the way. From there, I knew math was meant to heal me and connect me with opportunities and resources I never had growing up. If I had a program like this one growing up, I could have turned my life around earlier. Programs like STEAM Against Violence create a healing space that I never had as an adolescent.

In 2014, I lost my eldest brother to gun violence in Oakland, CA. I was devastated, lost everything, and eventually became homeless. Dealing with the trauma of losing so many loved ones throughout my life, I thought it was over for me. Then I met Tracy Camp, a mathematics instructor at Laney Community College. Meeting her and being exposed to the STEM world changed my entire life trajectory. Thank you, Tracy Camp. Rest in peace to my inspiration, her beautiful and amazing mother, Ernestine Camp, who paved the way for her and inspired me even after her passing.

What We Do

Healing Workshops

Students will explore and engage in hands-on training, providing them with the opportunity to participate in practical science experiments. These interactive experiences will expose youth to the exciting world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.), fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of these fields. By immersing students in hands-on activities, we aim to ignite their curiosity, enhance their critical thinking skills, and inspire a lifelong passion for learning. This approach not only makes learning more engaging and enjoyable but also equips students with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in future academic and career endeavors.

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Violence Prevention

S.T.E.A.M. Against Violence works closely with youth who have been impacted by violence in their homes or communities, offering them a variety of resources and support. By partnering with other organizations, we are able to expand our reach and provide comprehensive services to those in need. Our collaborations enable us to offer a wide range of programs, including educational workshops, mental health support, and community-building activities. Through these partnerships, we aim to create a network of care that addresses the diverse needs of our youth, helping them to heal, grow, and succeed despite the challenges they have faced. Our ultimate goal is to foster a safer, more supportive environment where every young person has the opportunity to thrive.

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HANDS ON WORKSHOPS

Students will engage in hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.) activities, which will be thoughtfully integrated with trauma-informed practices. Our approach ensures that each learning experience not only stimulates intellectual curiosity and creativity but also addresses the emotional and psychological needs of students affected by violence. By incorporating trauma-informed practices, we create a safe and supportive environment where students can heal, build resilience, and develop the confidence to explore and excel in S.T.E.A.M. fields. Through this holistic approach, we aim to empower our students with the skills and knowledge to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.

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Community Building

At S.T.E.A.M Against Violence, we are dedicated to organizing community events that spread awareness, provide resources, and support our youth impacted by violence. Our events bring attention to the devastating effects of gun violence and other forms of violence in our community. We host vigils, healing events, rallies, and hands-on S.T.E.A.M workshops, offering a safe space for learning and growth. We are committed to providing resources to youth and families affected by violence, fostering a supportive environment where they can heal and thrive. Through our efforts, we aim to create a more compassionate and informed community, united in the fight against violence.

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With Your Help, We are Making The World a Better Place

At S.T.E.A.M Against Violence, we are dedicated to making the world a better place by empowering youth impacted by violence through the transformative power of S.T.E.A.M. education. We believe that by providing a safe and supportive environment, we can nurture the talents and aspirations of young individuals, helping them heal and build brighter futures.

Our programs are designed to foster curiosity, resilience, and innovation, equipping our students with the skills and confidence to overcome challenges and contribute positively to society. By investing in our youth, we are investing in a future where every young person has the opportunity to thrive and make meaningful contributions to a more just and compassionate world.

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Our Mission & Approach

It is important for us to transform S.T.E.A.M. from a barrier for youth impacted by violence into the healing tools themselves. When youth have a strong foundation in academics they can have access to more opportunities in life. Which can ultimately open more doors for them in the future through their career, access to college, and career readiness. These tools are imperative for improving their quality of life. Once allowed access to a better quality of life. They are more likely to be deterred from crime due to having more opportunities in their careers. We would like to focus on the inner-city youth that are more likely to be impacted by violence in their homes or communities.

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2024

Campaigns 80% 80%
Research & Development 15% 15%
Management 5% 5%
Organization Growth 0% 0%

A Letter from the Board

**Dear Community Members,**

We hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits. As the Board of Directors of S.T.E.A.M Against Violence, we extend our warmest greetings and heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and dedication to our mission.

Our organization was founded with a profound commitment to transforming the lives of youth impacted by violence. We understand the devastating toll that violence can take on young lives, shattering dreams and dimming the prospects of a brighter future. It is our belief that every young person deserves a chance to heal, grow, and realize their full potential. Through the power of STEM education, we strive to provide a beacon of hope and a pathway to a promising tomorrow.

STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—is more than just a collection of subjects. It is a gateway to a world of opportunities, a means of empowerment, and a foundation for lifelong success. Our programs create a nurturing environment where youth can explore the wonders of STEM, discovering their passions and unlocking their potential.

We are dedicated to exposing our students to the healing power of STEM opportunities. Through hands-on projects, innovative learning experiences, and mentorship, we aim to inspire curiosity and wonder. We want our students to see the endless possibilities that STEM fields offer, from solving complex problems to creating groundbreaking technologies.

At S.T.E.A.M Against Violence, we are more than just an educational initiative; we are a family and a community that believes in the potential of every young mind we encounter. Our goal is to help our students heal from past traumas, providing them with the skills and confidence to build a brighter future.

As we continue to expand our reach and impact, we invite you to join us in this noble endeavor. Your support, whether through volunteerism, donations, or spreading the word about our mission, is invaluable. Together, we can create a future where every young person has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of the challenges they have faced.

Thank you for believing in our mission and for being a vital part of our community. With your continued support, we can make a profound difference in the lives of countless youth, guiding them towards a future filled with hope, possibility, and success.

With heartfelt gratitude and warm regards,

Chairperson of the Board
S.T.E.A.M Against Violence