Julie M. Cohen jcohen@wickedlocal.com

A Parkway program was recently recognized with a $6,000 grant for its role in helping to increase opportunities for minority children in the city.

The BCYF Menino Community Center Boys STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) and Robotics Club in Roslindale was one of 10 organizations receiving an award from the first round of grants from My Brother's Keeper, totaling $50,000. The Boston Foundation also collaborated on the effort.

The Transcript recently spoke with Roslindale resident Donna Parker, a computer instructor who said she has been providing technology programs in this neighborhood for about 20 years. I work with all ages. I coordinate all the STEM programming at the center, including STEAM Club and STEAMing It in the Park (steamingit.weebly.com) and am a Technology Goes Home (techgoeshome.org) instructor.

How did you feel when you learned the BCYF Menino Community Center Boys STEAM and Robotics Club was awarded a $6,000 grant?

I was very excited and relieved, and grateful to Mayor (Marty) Walsh and MBK Boston for their support. At the time I found out we were doing a bridge-building activity in the Boys STEAM (STEM + Art) Club using straws and testing their strength with pennies. I jokingly said this came just in time we are down to our last pennies.

How has the program helped maximize My Brother's Keepers impact in improving outcomes for young people of color?

We strive to give our youth the opportunity to learn about and develop skills in a variety of different STEM subjects. We hope that during this exploration they will gain confidence and develop new skills or even find a life passion that could lead to a promising future for themselves and their families.

How will the funds from the grant be used?

(The money will be used as) stipends for four 13-14-year-olds to work as STEM mentors, to learn about STEM and pass down what they learn to those who are younger. (It will also pay for) supplies for science experiments, building/making, electrical circuits, physical programming, healthy snacks, etc. We will also be purchasing a 3-D printer and going on STEM-related field trips.

Do you use mentors in the program and if so, what has their impact been? Also, how many kids participate in the program?

Teenage mentors are a key component of our program. We currently have six STEAM (STEM + Art) Club teenage mentors who are caring, enthusiastic, creative learners and teachers of STEM. We also have some adult mentors (with and without STEM backgrounds). There are about 15 members of the Boys STEAM Club in addition to a variety of boys who participate in robotics.

How can area residents help or become mentors in your program?

We will be looking for more FIRST Lego Robotics adult mentors/coaches as we expand to start teams at two other community centers. Training will be provided. We are also looking for those in STEM careers to come and share their career experiences or engage youth in a related interactive activity.

More information

To learn more about MBK Boston or to get involved, visit boston.gov/mbk.

To learn more about the BCYF Menino Community Center Boys STEAM and Robotics Club, visit https://www.boston.gov/community-centers/bcyf-menino

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Boys' STEAM, robotics club in Parkway receives grant - Wicked Local West Roxbury