Youth STEM Network (YSN) is a partnership designed to build capacity for San José’s youth (9-14 years old) to engage in a rigorous, out-of school Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) academic enrichment program. It is a collaborative effort among the San José State University (SJSU)’s Jay Pinson STEM Education program, CommUniverCity San José, the Center for Community Learning and Leadership (CCLL) and the Department of Communication Studies and is an interactive, out-of school academic enrichment program focused on instruction and hands-on activities in Electricity and Solar Energy, Computer Science and Cyber security, and other Physical and Life sciences. It also brings STEM education-focused service learning and community engagement opportunities for SJSU students to the local community.

During the next academic year, YSN will serve approximately 100 youth and will be instructed collaboratively by two lead instructors with content expertise, over 30 SJSU students involved in service learning projects and five community-based instructors. YSN employs curricular modules developed and tested through the NSF-funded Scientists for Tomorrow and CyberWatch programs. Each content module includes 10 weekly sessions of 75 minutes each (12.5 hours of instructional time per module). In preparation for module implementation, YSN instructors participate in 16 hours of professional development/training offered by module developers. Where possible, web-based conferencing software is used to support follow-up activities associated with training efforts. Each content module culminates in an event where youth showcase their work and products generated during each session. These events are community-focused and are attended by program participants’ family and community members.

Special thanks to YSN program supporters Intel, the Motorola Solutions Foundation, and Texas Instruments.