2024 Winner – Project For Peace Scholarship
Holistic STEM education for the fight against underrepresentation and teen violent crime
Kerry Xiao
USA, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Colin Cotton
USA, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Project Summary
This youth-focused project aims to address the challenges faced by underrepresented populations in Wilmington, Delaware, by providing a three-week STEM-based educational opportunity to diversify academic interests and promote positive engagement among students in grades 6-8.
Project Description
The project was initiated in response to the high rate of teen violent crime in Wilmington, which remains higher than 96.8% of U.S. cities. Teen involvement in crime has strong correlations with issues like school dropouts, drug abuse, and poverty. The project leaders, Kerry Xiao and Colin Cotton, sought to reinvolve themselves with their community through a volunteer-based, educational approach.
Partnering with community organizations like the Bellevue Community Center (BCC) and the Brandywine Bots Robotics Club, the project provided resources such as classrooms, transportation, meals, laptops, and VEX Robotics kits. The program emphasized hands-on STEM learning, including VEX Robotics, Arduino, circuit design, and mechanical principles, adjusted based on student feedback.
The project culminated in a student presentation for local elementary children as part of an anti-drug and alcohol initiative. Student engagement was enhanced by practical projects and role model presentations, creating a lasting impact by fostering interest in STEM and offering students a vision of achievable future opportunities.
Quotes
Personal Statement
“It was the greatest pleasure of all to be able to be role models for these students, giving them a reason to show up and show them the impact they can have on the world beyond our local community. STEM provides a unique opportunity to bridge the gaps between minds and ideas, creating an environment for these students where anything is possible. Education is no longer only about teaching students about something but also about helping them develop a reliable compass and the tools to navigate with confidence in an increasingly interconnected world. This project has shown us education’s ability to transform and inspire both students and educators”