STARS brings together Bank of America, Richmond Public Schools (RPS), and VCU Engineering to support Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education in the Richmond region. This program provides participants with industry-ready knowledge and experiences in computer and data science by:
- Building on existing and new outreach partnerships
- Leveraging available resources
- Working in conjunction with existing RPS initiatives to support established goals around STEM learning
STARS aims to support students from populations typically underrepresented in engineering and computer science with a long-term goal of increasing the diversity of the tech talent workforce in Virginia.
The STARS Approach
The holistic approach of the STARS program focuses on three aspects: content, mentorship and exploration. By looking at the whole experience of students, STARS is better able to make an impact on student interest and tech pathway retention.
RPS has existing STEM Academy programming at both Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, Thomas H. Henderson Middle School and the Richmond Technical Center. STARS works with these three programs to support the educators and resources already in place to position students for success as they seek to access opportunities in technical and STEM-field careers.
Get Involved!
STARS Summer Challenge
This is an exciting opportunity for RPS high school students who want to test their analysis skills against real-world data. Participants will have the opportunity to delve into what is happening in Richmond right now and practice their presentation skills by making recommendations to a group of industry and academic professionals. Are you up for the challenge?
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | |
| Monday, July 11, 2022 9–11 a.m. Virtual: Google Meet |
Welcome and Program Orientation |
| Tuesday, July 12, 2022 9–11 a.m. Virtual: Google Meet |
Intro to Data and Where to Find It |
| Wednesday, July 13, 2022 9–11 a.m. Virtual: Google Meet |
Intro to Data Analysis |
| Thursday, July 14, 2022 Asynchronous |
Telework |
| Friday, July 15, 2022 10–11 a.m. Virtual: Google Meet |
Progress Check Meeting |
| Week 2 | |
| Monday, July 18, 2022 10–11 a.m. Virtual: Google Meet |
How to Give a Good Presentation |
| Tuesday, July 19, 2022 Asynchronous |
Teamwork |
| Wednesday, July 20, 2022 Times by Appt Virtual: Google Meet |
Practice Presentations and Refine |
| Thursday, July 21, 2022 6–8 p.m. In person: VCU College of Engineering |
Final Presentations |
Are you a data science professional who wants to support the STARS Summer Challenge?
STARS Career Coach Program
Are you a professional in a tech-related field ready to give back? As a STARS Career Coach, you can make a difference by presenting youth with opportunities in the tech industry and helping to guide them along a journey of career exploration and awareness.
If you are able to help us make a real impact on these students’ lives, please consider completing the Career Coach application.