From STEM classrooms to college & beyond: The transformative power of coaching and mentorship for K-12 learners of color

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, the demand for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) skills is at an all-time high. About a quarter of the U.S. workforce is employed in STEM occupations, however, Black and Hispanic workers remain underrepresented. Systemic barriers often prevent students of color from accessing these critical opportunities. Educational nonprofit Calculus Roundtable is addressing this issue head-on by providing free, high-quality STEM education and mentorship to K-12 students in underserved areas.

Through a transformative partnership with InsideTrack, supported by New Profit, Calculus Roundtable has enhanced its mentorship programs, equipping the college students who serve as mentors to become even more effective in their roles. This training and development focuses on giving mentors the tools to empower young learners, nurture their passion for STEM, and open pathways to higher education and high-demand, high-wage careers. Ultimately, it aims to inspire a new generation of diverse STEM professionals.

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Overcoming systemic barriers in STEM education

The journey to a successful STEM career can begin as early as elementary school. However, throughout their educational journeys, many students of color face significant obstacles that hinder their progress. Limited access to advanced math and science courses, coupled with a lack of mentorship and support, leaves these students at a disadvantage. Calculus Roundtable seeks to bridge this gap by offering essential STEM resources and personalized mentorship at no cost, positively impacting over 25,000 students to date. For 60% of these students, Calculus Roundtable represents their only access to a comprehensive STEM curriculum.

"At Calculus Roundtable, we believe that math and science education is critical for building confidence and preparing students for a new generation of jobs and interests. Our innovative programs and curriculum aim to expand the domestic job force of the future, while also empowering young people to realize their full potential."
— Jim Hollis, Executive Director and Founder, Calculus Roundtable

Mentorship is crucial for achieving academic success and personal growth. Acknowledging the power of mentorship, Calculus Roundtable recruits and trains college students majoring in STEM fields to become Diversity in STEM Fellows. These Fellows offer one-on-one mentorship and tutoring in math and science — directly addressing educational gaps and inspiring future STEM talent. Each year, more than 2,000 K-12 students benefit from this personalized support, which helps them build confidence, grow their passion for STEM, and envision a future in higher education and beyond. In an effort to bring more structured support frameworks to the Fellows and a proven approach to the K-12 learners they mentor, Calculus Roundtable partnered with InsideTrack to deliver coaching development and training to the Fellows — allowing them to embed a holistic coaching methodology into their mentorship practices.

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Enhancing mentorship through strategic, mission-aligned partnerships

The partnership between InsideTrack and Calculus Roundtable, facilitated by New Profit — a venture philanthropy organization that provides unrestricted grants and strategic support to organizations led by visionary social entrepreneurs — exemplifies the power of collaboration in catalyzing systemic change. New Profit's role in establishing this strategic partnership has been pivotal, providing the necessary support and resources to align the missions of both organizations and amplify their impact. 

InsideTrack brings its research-proven coaching methodology to the table, providing adept training and development for the Diversity in STEM Fellows. This flexible training approach includes four-month micro-credential programs for Fellows and staff, one-on-one development sessions to reinforce learning and ensure continuous growth, and a twelve-month Coach Certification program to prepare staff to sustain the impact as Calculus Roundtable expands its programming. This comprehensive, tailored training ensures that Fellows are equipped with the essential coaching skills to build meaningful, supportive relationships with students.

In less than a year since the start of the partnership, InsideTrack’s training has already created an impact for Calculus Roundtable, its Fellows and the young students being mentored in STEM. By incorporating a trauma-informed and healing-centered approach, Fellows create a safe and inclusive learning environment where students feel valued and heard. This support enables students to make well-informed decisions about their education and future careers, establishing a sense of belonging and confidence. The developmental feedback process allows Fellows to continuously refine their coaching skills and deepen their connections with students. This approach ensures that students receive consistent, high-quality support, helping them navigate their educational journeys and prepare for higher education and beyond.

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Armondo's Journey: A Case Study in Effective Mentorship

Armondo Lopez, a standout Diversity in STEM Fellow, exemplifies the transformative power of this partnership. His personal connection to Calculus Roundtable’s mission, rooted in his own experiences of limited access to STEM resources, fuels his dedication. "I've always been very science-minded, but when I was a kid, there really weren't many opportunities in STEM for me. When I saw that Calculus Roundtable's mission statement was bringing STEM education to communities that otherwise wouldn't have it, I saw it as an opportunity to reflect on myself and to give kids that are growing up in the areas that we serve, the experiences that I didn't get to have when I was a child," says Armondo.

Utilizing the coaching frameworks from his micro-credential, he has left a mark with his mentoring efforts at the Juvenile Justice Center (JJC) in Alameda County, California. Armondo’s passion for STEM and commitment to his students have led to remarkable outcomes. Armondo found the CLEAR framework to be crucial in building trust and creating a supportive environment. He inspired JJC residents to participate in activities like a robot-building workshop, igniting their interest and imagination in STEM opportunities. Armondo’s story highlights how combining passion with a structured coaching methodology can amplify the impact of mentorship programs, even amidst the most challenging of circumstances. Armondo says,  "Students there have a lot of trust issues. Often the first step before you even get to content is building that rapport and making them feel they can let down their walls and take part in learning. Using the CLEAR framework and communicating in a way that validates everything that they're feeling is so important. Having that structured frame for interacting with students made it so we could really teach them things that might spark interest in STEM and give them a leg up for when they go into the real world and consider different avenues for life."

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Building Pathways to Higher Education and Careers

The collaboration between New Profit, Calculus Roundtable, and InsideTrack exemplifies how strategic partnerships can drive systemic change and create lasting impact. By integrating comprehensive training and holistic support, this initiative not only addresses immediate educational barriers but also lays the foundation for long-term success. InsideTrack's coaching methodology empowers Calculus Roundtable to inspire students' interest in STEM, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and beliefs needed to advance toward their educational and career goals. Ultimately, this partnership paves the way for a more inclusive and diverse future in STEM. The transformative power of coaching opens doors, builds confidence, and inspires the leaders of tomorrow.

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