The opening of East New York’s first public school dedicated to STEM is an amazing step toward equality in STEM education and improving education for the future generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Making STEM education accessible to all is extremely important for shaping young minds in our increasingly technology-focused world.

District 19 STEM academics will give students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge in STEM, participate in specialized activities, and prepare themselves for future careers. They have made it possible for their students to explore and excel in STEM in both creative and informative ways.

Isabella Pargiolas was a student at St. Paul’s School (I am currently a student at St. Paul’s) who developed a new method for treating cancer patients. Isabella participated in St. Paul’s Applied Science & Engineering Program (ASEP), which allows students to complete a summer externship as well as a capstone during their senior year. During her internship, Isabella worked with scientists at Exuma Biotech, and she continued to work with them throughout the school year in order to complete her capstone.

Isabella’s work is a great example of the impact students can have when they are given the right resources. Everyday, students are prevented from reaching their full potential due to a lack of resources. My goal when starting The Growing STEM was to end inequality in STEM education and allow more students, like Isabella, to make amazing discoveries.