Page 6 - ME Fall Newsetter 22

Community-Focused
ME Ambassadors Program Celebrates a Successful First Year
The ME Ambassadors Program completed its inaugural year, with
fantastic results! In fall 2021, the program began its pilot year with 10 lead ambassadors and 10 volunteer ambassadors. The ambassadors spent the fall semester in trainings and preparing eight activity modules for elementary school students on topics ranging from solar energy to how boats float. They had a practice run in November 2021, collected feedback, adjusted course as needed, and were ready to go.
In spring 2022, the ambassadors began engagement with Gleason Lake Elementary School students enrolled in an extended day learning program. Over the course of 10 weeks, the ambassadors met with the students every Tuesday, presenting a concept and hands-on activity, and followed up on Wednesdays, reinforcing what the students had learned the day before. This method proved very impactful in helping students develop more confidence in their ability to persevere through initial difficulties.
Meanwhile, the faculty advisors meet with the Saint Paul and Wayzata School Districts to
discuss continuing and expanding the program. In fall 2022, the ambassadors formed a student leadership team to drive the program forward. 14 lead ambassadors and 9 volunteer ambassadors kicked things off in
fall 2022, working with two schools: Gleason Lake Elementary again, and Sunset Hill Elementary.
“We need to be showing kids that the world of STEM is not something they should be scared of, nor is it be seen as a field where only one group of people can succeed.” — ME Ambassador
“This week we learned about how engineers designed parachutes to land the Mars rover. When we built our own parachutes, I learned that sometimes it is confusing but you can make it better. Like your parachute could make it better!” — Student participant
Learn more about the ME Ambassadors Program and how you can support its future:
z.umn.edu/MEAmbassadors
6 ME News Fall 2022