Girard College STEM article

F E AT U R E

STEM

AT GIRARD COLLEGE:

Envisioning the Possibilities S

toking students’ interest in science, technology, engineering and math and helping them discover the wide array of STEM career opportunities is Marquita Lewis’ mission as Girard College’s new STEM Director.

Lewis is committed to providing innovative STEM programs that help students explore how STEM skills are applied across various career fields.

“You never know what they encounter today and how it could shape their future tomorrow,” she said.

Lewis earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology and General Science, along

with her teaching certification, from Cheyney University. She also holds a Master of Arts in the Art of Teaching from Marygrove College in Detroit, Michigan. Lewis recently completed her Master of Science in Educational Administration, with Supervisor of Curriculum, and Instruction at Gwynedd Mercy University.

Throughout her educational career, Lewis has witnessed how science can spark curiosity and transform students’ lives. Her passion for STEM and her desire to inspire students to engage with science led her to pursue the STEM Director position at Girard.

“When I read the job description, I thought, ‘Wow, this sounds neat and something I could do.’ I’ve always believed that every student deserves the same opportunity to excel and be exposed to the best. Helping to establish a STEM center where students have access to state-ofthe-art resources would be the ideal environment for them to thrive.”

The architect for the STEM Center has been selected, and approvals for the facility are pending.

“We are looking toward the summer of 2027 for a completion date to be able to open when students arrive in the fall of 2027,” Lewis said. continued on page 8

I’ve always believed that every student deserves the same opportunity to excel and be exposed to the best. Helping to establish a STEM center where students have access to state-of-the-art resources would be the ideal environment for them to thrive.

—MARQUITA LEWIS, STEM DIRECTOR

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Eighth graders Kyla Simmons, Lee’Yah Dyson and Kyiah Andrews explain their Selfie Booster Mirror prototype to Girard College STEM Director Marquita Lewis during the Future Techstyles showcase at the Science Center in University City. continued from page 7

“The center isn’t meant to replace the classrooms,” she explained. “We will continue to have traditional classrooms in the high school, while the STEM Center will serve as a hands-on lab for projects and experiments.”

Although the new STEM Center will take a few years to complete, Lewis ensured that every grade participated in at least one STEM program this school year. Additionally, she is designing curriculum for each grade level, set to be implemented in the 2025–2026 academic year.

“We are trying to incorporate the whole campus into the STEM curriculum development,” she said. “I also want to make sure our curriculum meets the new STEELS (Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability) standards that are being implemented across the state this fall.”

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STEEL & GARNET

Lewis has been actively forging partnerships with community organizations throughout this school year. Collaborations include the University of Pennsylvania, Community College of Philadelphia’s Jr. STEM Program, the Urban Youth Racing School, Design Science, the University City Science Center, the Girls Inc. Eureka! program, and the Enhancing Our Environment program offered by the Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She also is creating connections with valuable summer internship opportunities for high school students. One such opportunity is the Penn Research Experience, where Girard is among a few select private schools invited to participate in the program this summer. Additionally, Naval STEM Interns offers another prestigious summer internship, and

Girard senior Saadir Sommers has been selected as an apprentice for the 2025 Office of Naval Research Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program.

Lewis secured $10,000 worth of equipment from the Community College of Philadelphia’s Jr. STEM Academy to create a makerspace in the Elementary and Middle School building. The equipment includes a 3D printer, two robotic arms, 15 different LEGO kits, and micro:bits for coding projects, science fair presentation materials, and a microscope. Lewis also received a generous donation from Target for science supplies.

This past fall, Lewis introduced eighth graders to the Future Techstyles program at the University City Science Center, while high school students had the opportunity to participate in the Urban Youth

Racing School (UYRS) at Harrisburg University in Center City Philadelphia.

(See Racing School story by Gabe Grant ’27 on page 11.)

Channing Scott, a Girard sophomore, enjoyed gaining more knowledge about cars and the history of racing at UYRS. “I learned about how black racers weren’t allowed to race so they made their own auto race called the Gold and Glory Sweepstakes,” she said.

At first, Channing didn’t want to take the course because she was not interested in engineering.

Despite her reservations, she enjoyed learning about race car design, aerodynamics, racing terminology, and how to navigate the track where she and her classmates drove electric Go Karts.

“I learned I’m good at driving,” said Channing, who placed second in the championship race at the end of the course.

University of Pennsylvania graduate student Steven Gassner explains an electromagnetism concept to seventh grade students.

Learning About Technology and E-textiles Eighth grader Kaleb Ryan described the Future Techstyles program as “challenging but fun.”

“I’m not too into coding, but it ended up being fun,” he said. “I learned how to code little devices to do whatever I needed them to do.”

Kaleb and his classmates learned how to apply design thinking to create new uses for e-textiles and wearable technology. They also learned how to code and sew material.

For the Future Techstyles final showcase, he and his teammates Jayden Peterson and Tahmir Davis designed a blanket made with antimicrobial material that adjusted its temperature based on a person’s body heat.

Initially, Kaleb was uncertain if he would like the coding part of the course.

The blanket was one of five projects the eighth graders created for the continued on page 10

Eighth grade students are pictured with their certificates of achievement after presenting their electronic devices at the Future Techstyles Final Showcase last December at the Science Center in University City.

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continued from page 9

showcase at FirstHand Labs in the University City Science Center. Each team had to create a new product, design a prototype of the product, and make a poster describing its purpose.

Other projects included a programmable wrist device that prevented unauthorized access to buildings, a lighted mirror that displayed positive affirmations, a safety device for children that alerted parents if their child was in danger, and a stuffed animal with a button that displayed positive messages.

Overall Kaleb enjoyed the opportunity to participate in the new STEM program.

Vision for STEM Education

“I ended up liking it, and it was a positive experience,” he said. “Now I know I have a little bit of that knowledge I can use if I want to go down that path.”

Lewis’ vision for STEM education at Girard is to cultivate the critical thinking and problem-solving skills of all students.

Seventh grader Amahya Lopez wraps wire around a metal rod during an electromagnetism experiment facilitated by Community College of Philadelphia’s Jr. STEM Academy, the University of Pennsylvania, and iPraxis.

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Eighth graders Morgan Williams, Samirah Melendez-Rambert and Lisa Marie Small show their Panboozie device to Jessica Heintz, principal of the Elementary and Middle School at Girard College, during the Future Techstyles Showcase.

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STEEL & GARNET

“When first graders enter Girard, regardless of their prior STEM experience, they will leave first grade as budding scientists,” Lewis said. “By the time they reach high school, teachers will take on more of a facilitator role, while students independently operate STEM center equipment with minimal assistance, allowing them to engage in innovative projects and explore new, advanced content.”

Lewis also envisions collaborating with corporations that would utilize the STEM Center, providing internship opportunities for Girard high school students within the facility. Additionally, she aims to open the STEM Center to the broader community, allowing it to serve as a hub for STEM conferences, competitions, and workshops. By creating a space where students, professionals, and community members can engage in hands-on STEM experiences, Girard will further solidify its role as a leader in STEM education and innovation.

Seventh grader Abdoulaye Camara works on an electromagnetism experiment during a recent educational session with Community College of Philadelphia’s Jr. STEM Academy.

As the center’s development progresses, Lewis remains committed to introducing innovative programs that equip students with valuable skills while deepening their understanding of STEM concepts.

“I’m excited about what’s ahead and discovering programs I know they’ll enjoy,” she said. “I want students to develop problem-solving skills, think critically, and confidently say, ‘I can do this.’”

F E AT U R E

Racing Into the Future:

The Urban Youth Racing School Experience

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ituated at the crossroads of motorsports and STEM education, the Urban Youth Racing School (UYRS) offers an exciting and potentially life-changing experience for students. During the 10-week training course, participants received hands-on exposure to the design of race cars, driving techniques, and science applied to high-speed motorsports.

For students like me, this program has been no less than extraordinary.

From the very first day of the course, UYRS staff and special guest speakers introduced students to the world of car racing and innovation. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to hear from pioneering automotive designer Ed Welburn, who became the first Black man to lead General Motors’ global design team. His comments about the creative process—runways, cars, and everything in between— illustrated how the application of STEM can change the face of the world. Learning about Black pioneers

in motorsports and the design and development work that Welburn did on the Chevrolet Corvette and Camaro cars, further enriched this experience by connecting us to that legacy of innovation and perseverance.

The business side of the sport also was emphasized during the program, and experts shared their marketing and sponsorship insights with us.

Practical sessions included deciphering racing terms such as “oversteer” and learning about flags and other commands on the track. Reggie Showers, a two-time motorcycle drag racing world champion and an UYRS instructor, taught us about the science of aerodynamics as we designed and made CO2 powered model cars.

The program culminated in competitive racing experiences that were remarkably professional.

From the preparation for accident scenarios to mastering techniques like drafting and braking, every week brought us one step closer to driving on the track. In week six, we raced

Girard high school students attended classes at the Urban Youth Racing School where they learned about the many ways that science is used in racing.

electric-powered Go Karts, honing skills such as apex turns and speed control. These skills would be put to the test in a championship race, with the top performers joining UYRS’ elite youth racing league and having the opportunity to compete nationally and internationally.

This program isn’t just about racing; it’s a launching pad for aspiring engineers, marketers, and drivers.

The lessons extend beyond the track, instilling discipline, collaboration, and confidence. For anyone at Girard College with a passion for cars or curiosity about STEM, UYRS offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to discover your potential and blaze your own trail.

Gabriel Grant is a 10th grade student at Girard College.

Girard high school students practice on race car simulators at the Urban Youth Racing School last fall.

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