SELF International Inc

Support Educational Equality!

SELF (Science Education Literacy Fine Arts) is a mobile discovery lab delivering FUN informal, hands-on educational activities and experiences directly to under-represented communities. We serve low income communities of color, with a special focus on girls, offering educational opportunities and experiences in STEAM, (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math.)  Our goal is to equalize the playing field in school and to close the achievement gap by providing quality, learning opportunities in out-of-school time.  We show that science is relevant.  Science is everywhere and in everything from weather and sports to nail-polish and clothes to light-bulbs, mobile phones, and the food they eat. By collaborating with professionals in STEM industry we introduce young people to potential careers and the paths to reach them.  In the photo above students and faculty for the Northwestern Health Science University shared information with our students about chiropractic health careers. We make education FUN everywhere for everyone.

Students from age 5 – 18 are given the opportunity to explore, guided by their own curiosity. We try to reach them as early as possible while they are still naturally curious.  Their curiosity and questions serve as a platform for inquiry based learning which encourages greater creativity, and develops critical thinking and self-esteem. We use specialized, up-to-date educational materials to introduce cutting-edge science which is relevant to their lives. By revealing that relevancy we find that more students move naturally into the exploration of science and technology. Their new found self-esteem leads to improved achievement in school.

SELF and those we serve would appreciate your support again this year.  It has been a year full of changes and challenges and there are more ahead, but we are committed to continuing our educational services to those students and families who need it most.  Our URBAN STEMS: the Science of Food program continues, guiding students through the possibilities for urban agriculture which will benefit everyone but especially those families dealing daily with food scarcity. We are also involved with a program in cooperation with TPT TV,  CEREBROedu | BRAINedu, where we will work with Latinx students and their families exploring the human brain and spend time with professionals working in fields dealing with brain science

Our collaborative community programs are volunteer based. We are always looking for volunteers who like to work with young students and to help with operations. The need is great, and we require funds for materials and operational costs to implement our programs. These students are depending on your help to prepare them for high school, college, and careers of their future.  Let's keep them learning and give them the tools and skills to become productive citizens and fill the jobs of the 21st century.

Thank you.