Designing and programming a robot to fling as many rubber ducks off a wheel as possible in 30 seconds is a joy only a small portion of students across the nation have experienced. I have participated in after-school and summer programs including FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST LEGO League for many years, and have become both a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) enthusiast and an advocate for after-school programs in the process. Without after-school programs, I would not be where I am today: an aspiring astrophysicist with a dream to work for NASA or at the CERN Large Hadron Collider.
My interest in STEM is fueled by curiosity and it was exploring new interests in after-school programs that first led me to discover my curiosity about how the world works. The more I learn, the more questions I have. The more questions I have, the more I want to learn, inevitably leading to more questions. I found I could answer many of my questions at after-school programs, all while gaining confidence in skills such as leadership, programming and 3D printing. When I learned about the research done at CERN, my questions took a dive into the quantum realm: What are atoms made of? What is dark matter made of?
If I had not participated in after-school programs, developed leadership skills and discovered my passion for STEM I would not have had the opportunity to join the Million Girls Moonshot Flight Crew, a nationwide cohort of young leaders spreading the word about the importance of STEM after-school programs. This year I’ve served as the first Flight Crew member from Alaska, which has helped me connect with mentors and students around the country who share my interests.
I traveled to Washington, D.C., this July to send a message to lawmakers that every student should have access to after-school programs that will expand their horizons and help them realize their potential. I spoke at a congressional briefing held by the Senate Afterschool Caucus about how federal funding for after-school programs is making a positive difference for students like me, and I spoke on a panel about how young people should be included in the development of effective programs at the Engage Every Student Summit held by the U.S. Department of Education.
I wanted to send a clear message: After-school and summer programs allow youth to explore new interests and opportunities that improve their prospects. For example, as a counselor at LEGO robotics camp I get to teach kids in a low-income community who might not have as many opportunities to attend after-school programs. I get to watch them discover their passion for STEM the same way I discovered mine.
All students deserve access to after-school and summer programs. But in Alaska, for every student in an after-school program, three more are waiting for a spot. Nationwide nearly 25 million students do not have access to after-school programs because of cost, availability, transportation and other barriers. The number of students missing out on opportunities to connect with supportive adults, discover their passions and learn important skills outside of school is unacceptable.
I advocate for after-school program funding because I believe every student should have the opportunities I had to discover their passion and gain confidence. I believe increased investments in after-school programs that make it possible for all students to participate are necessary for students to achieve their full potential.
Advocating in D.C. was a powerful experience. Although I was confident in my writing, I never thought I would enjoy public speaking. I was surprised when several congressional staff members told me my speech was inspiring, and I was thrilled when, before I spoke the next day, Sen. Lisa Murkowski told the crowd my story is proof after-school programs are effective and necessary.
I am proud I used my voice to advocate for more funding for after-school programs. I hope you will join me in urging Congress to invest in these programs, because every student should have access to after-school programs that help them realize their potential.
• Sophia Owen is a rising senior at Thunder Mountain High School and a member of the Million Girls Moonshot Flight Crew.
