From STEM to STEAM: “This is how every classroom should be”
by John Alecca
Aug 15, 2024
For the past 5 years, YANC has partnered with the South South San Francisco Unified School District to make the District’s STEAM Summer School happen. Our teaching artists work closely with classroom teachers for 5 weeks each summer to create and host an arts-integrated science learning program that enhances student’s problem-solving, critical thinking, and school and career readiness.
A History of Innovation
In June 2016, SSFUSD partnered with ENGIE, an energy company with a focus on efficient, long-term, carbon-reducing solutions, to launch the District's inaugural Summer STEM Institute. This groundbreaking initiative underscored the district’s dedication in leading the way in STEM (Science. Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) education, preparing students for high school, college, and future careers. The original program, tailored for Grades 2-8, immersed students in hands-on STEM activities, real-world applications, and project-based learning. From constructing energy transformation machines and solar ovens to designing wind turbine blades and performing energy audits, students engaged in a range of dynamic and educational activities.
Expanding Horizons with STEAM
Building on this success, 2019 marked the expansion of the program through a partnership with, adding arts integration and transforming STEM into STEAM. Collaborations between teaching artists and ENGIE classroom teachers enriched the curriculum with creative arts projects. Students explored diverse topics such as fashion and the environment, puppetry and renewable energy, dance and astronomy, and ocean life through iridescent self-portraits. These projects not only deepened students’ understanding of both arts and sciences but also fostered a more holistic approach to learning.
Summer STEAM 2024: A Collaborative Success
This year’s Summer STEAM 2024 Program, held at Alta Loma Middle School in South City, San Francisco, welcomed approximately 300 students across 14 classrooms (Grades 4-8). The program, guided by the essential question “How does energy impact my life?”, was enriched by the contributions of 14 YANC teaching artists and 14 ENGIE teachers. Emphasizing the four core YANC elements—Connect, Experience, Understand, Create—and the Ubuntu philosophy, which highlights our interconnectedness, the program fostered a community grounded in mutual respect and shared learning.
A Summer of Growth
Over the course of five weeks of staff training and a robust daily curriculum from 8am-1pm, students engaged in enriching activities, including weekly community circles, gallery walks, and a culminating showcase that celebrated their creative and academic achievements. The STEAM 2024 Program not only advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills but also nurtured creativity and collaboration among both students and educators.
The impacts of the program are clear from teacher feedback:
“The kids LOVE to come to school. They are excited to come. For a summer school program to do that it is super impactful.”
“All students' minds work differently - some might want to draw and scribble and dance - the traditional program is more restrictive – (this one) gives them an opportunity to express themselves (more).”
This is how EVERY classroom should be in America… the students need to be able to see adults working together… (and) there needs to be more creativity and art in EVERY subject. Art is necessary!
We are proud of the innovative strides our Summer STEAM Program has made and look forward to continuing to inspire and educate through this integrated approach. Stay tuned for more updates and successes as we continue to push the boundaries of learning and creativity in our district!
CLICK HERE to the STEAM program photo and video highlights per grade:
