About Go Full STEAM
MISSION
To close the opportunity gaps in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math literacy (STEAM) for children and youth from under-resourced communities.
VISION
Create and nurture thriving STEAM-literate children and youth from under-resourced communities in Central Florida to maximize their potential and equip them to fully participate in society.
History
Go Full STEAM was created to engage and empower students from under-resourced communities. The foundation for Go Full STEAM was formed when St. Luke’s United Methodist Church guided the formation of several outreach ministries to provide enhanced learning opportunities for these students. With St. Luke’s assistance and financial support ArtWorks, MathBee, Robotics, and Arts After 5 each got their start.
As ministries were added and over time expanded, they collectively outgrew the financial capacity of St. Luke’s to act as their primary supporter. In 2019 the decision was made to combine these four ministries under one umbrella and form a secular 501c3 non-profit called Go Full STEAM. Go Full STEAM launched in February 2020 just weeks before the covid shut down. After an understandably slow start, Go Full STEAM is now full steam ahead!
Our Timeline
2003
ArtWorks was created by Renée Schneider as an outreach ministry of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. With St. Luke’s support ArtWorks grew from one location to five and formed many strong, long-term community partnerships. This allowed ArtWorks to bring the transformative power of art to hundreds of children who have experienced many difficult challenges. ArtWorks was also able to expand its programming to include field trips to art museums, galleries, arts related businesses, and live theater performances.
2011
MathBee was started at one school by John Pedicone as part of St. Luke’s IMPACT program. IMPACT provides math and reading tutoring for elementary students at Title I* Orange County Public Schools (OCPS). From this small beginning, MathBee has expanded to 25 Title I schools with over 2,500 students participating in each year’s competition. This expansion was possible due to corporate sponsorship, volunteer and financial support from St. Luke’s, and a strong partnership with OCPS principals, teachers, and staff.
*Title I schools have a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students.
2012
Robotics was established to provide hands-on STEM enrichment to students attending Title I* Orange County Public Schools. It was also initially a part of St. Luke’s IMPACT program. Robotics, currently led by Barnett Warren, started at one Title I elementary school, and has supported Robotics teams at 3 additional schools. Robotics volunteers also organize and run local competitions and exhibition events. These events allow students to demonstrate the many skills they have learned as part of a Robotics team.
*Title I schools have a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students.
2015
Arts After 5 was created in response to expressed needs of low-income Winter Garden residents to expand enrichment activities for children during the critical time after school programs have ended. Arts After 5 led by Ke’Lee Pernell provides weekly creative drama classes throughout the school year and produces a children’s summer musical. The summer musical is open to the public. Ticket sales help support the program.
2020
Go Full Steam was formed by combining ArtWorks, MathBee, Robotics and Arts After 5 into a single 501c3 non-profit. Go Full Steam uses a unified approach through specific areas of interest to close opportunity gaps and provide new experiences for disadvantaged children. Go Full Steam seeks to inspire children and positively impact their lives by promoting STEAM literacy, competency, and a positive sense of self.