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SPIN Girls Monthly Newsletter | February 2022
It's Black History Month!
Today marks the start of Black History Month. The theme for 2022 focuses on the importance of Black Health and Wellness. This theme acknowledges the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also other ways of knowing (e.g., birthworkers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.) throughout the African Diaspora. If you're interested in being inspired, check out this reading list that highlights books, websites, and other historical materials and guides on Black Health and Wellness.
In this month's newsletter, you'll find a recap of our activities in January and what your students can look forward to in February. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. - Jaira
MONTHLY RECAP
Field Day #3:
The Epic Cohort (8th Grade) virtually visited the Hutch United - Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, toured the lab, built foldscopes and listened to a career panel of female scientists.
The Luminous Cohort (9th Grade) virtually visited MacDonald Miller, learned about the different pre-construction teams such as detailing, engineering, estimating and design that are involved in executing projects and listened to a career panel of women in engineering.
The Stellar Cohort (10th Grade) virtually visited TomboyX and got insight on what a typical production cycle looks like, how to predict color and print trends, and how to analyze and assort sales numbers. Students also had the chance to design their own prints for undergarments, lounge wear, or activewear!
RESOURCES
School Guidance from WA DOH
K-12 Schools Requirements 2021-2022 (wa.gov)
Supplemental Considerations to Mitigate COVID-19 Transmission in K-12 Schools (wa.gov)
Plenty of vaccination and booster appointments in Auburn and Seattle for the whole family. Looking for COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for kids and adults? Vaccination sites in Auburn and in Seattle have many appointments available! First and second doses for ages 5 and older, boosters for everyone 12 and older.
More information (including about free transportation and child care support) and other locations for vaccination: kingcounty.gov/vaccine (translations in 17 languages)
The Washington State Department of Health is recruiting young people living in Washington for a Youth Advisory Council. We are looking for applicants age 13-21 who live in Washington State and have access to the internet, social media, and email. Our recruitment will center on the communities most affected by health care inequities. More information about meetings, expectations, and how to apply can be found at: https://waportal.org/partners/home/adolescent-health/youth-advisors
In-person and virtual experiences honor Seattle’s Black & African American community. In Seattle, the legacies and achievements of Black Seattleites have shaped the city’s excellence in art, music, culture, business, science, civil rights and hospitality – among other industries. Visit Seattle strives to honor these achievements in Seattle history and recognize the Black excellence that shines in Seattle today: https://visitseattle.org/press/press-releases/visit-seattles-2022-guide-to-celebrating-black-history-month-in-seattle/
LOOKING FORWARD
SPIN students and mentors will need to bring proof of vaccination or a negative test result to all future SPIN events. Visit our website for an update on our COVID-19 protocols.
Lab Day #3 Saturday February 12th, 2022. Lunch provided.
Where: Tukwila Community Center: 12424 42nd Ave S, Tukwila, WA 98168.
Epic Cohort (8th Grade): 9:30AM-1:00PM
Luminous Cohort (9th Grade): 9:30AM-1:00PM
Stellar Cohort (10th Grade): 1:00PM-4:30PM
*8th and 9th graders, feel free to arrive at 9:00AM for extra mentor-mentee hangout time.
Field Day #4 on March 5th, 2022. Light snacks provided.
Epic Cohort (8th Grade), 9:30AM-11:30AM: @ Renton Technical College
Luminous Cohort (9th Grade), 9:30AM-12:30PM: @ 343 Industries
Stellar Cohort (10th Grade), 1:30PM-4:30PM: @ Adaptive Biotechnologies
SPIN GIRLS FELLOWS
"In January, the SPIN Fellows started the year with a virtual meeting where they discussed their study timelines for the SAT. During their latest in-person check-in, they visualized their dream college experiences and began writing their independent project proposals. Independent projects for this cohort range from coding an original app, developing a social media marketing portfolio, and interning in a research lab! The SPIN Fellows have also organized bi-weekly study group sessions as a new space to focus on schoolwork, standardized test prep, and general group bonding. "
- Natalie, Fellows Program Manager
Students who graduate from SPIN Girls are invited to apply for SPIN Girls Fellows in the Spring of their 10th grade year. 15 Fellows are accepted based on their commitment to SPIN Girls and their interest in pursuing a STEM career.
For more information visit our website: https://www.stempaths.org/spin-girls-fellows
SPIN Girls Fellows Monthly Newsletter | January 2022
Happy 2022!
I hope you all enjoyed the holiday season and will be blessed with renewed health, joy, and success this new year! In the months of November and December, the Fellows have been attending regular all Fellows check-ins as well as personalized 1-on-1s with the Program Manager (that's me! - Natalie). They determined personal and group values to drive their future goals, outlined college and career ambitions, and ended with a holiday party where they constructed and decorated gingerbread houses.
For the month of January, we will be diving deep into standardized test prep (SAT & ACT) and learning how to apply and earn scholarships.
Just a sneak peek at what 2022 has in store for the Fellows:
College tours
Networking
Financial Aid Workshop
College Application Prep
Looks like there will be lots of exciting and educational opportunities ahead for our Fellows this year! As always, let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
- Natalie
Coming Up
January 11: Test Prep (VIRTUAL)
Time: 5:30-7:30
Location: Zoom
January 25: Scholarships
Time: 5:30-7:30PM
Location: Kent Commons Community Center, Olympic Room
Scheduled 1-on-1s with Program Manager
Optional: Biweekly SAT prep and study group sessions
Starting Sunday 1/23 from 10:30am-1:30pm
Location: TBD
Resources
The Washington State Department of Health is recruiting youth ages 13-21 for their Youth Advisory Council. Apply here by January 31, 2022.
Volunteer with Northwest Harvest by repacking product at a regional distribution centers, distributing food at the SODO Community Market in Seattle, helping out at special events, or hosting food drives.
INSIGHT High School Program is an intensive four-week program designed to introduce students to public health, biomedical research, & medicine. For summer 2022, the program has been adapted to a virtual format to follow public health guidelines.
Changemakers in Computing (CIC) is a summer 2022 program hosted by the University of Washington’s Allen School. This free program aims to serve Washington State high school students from systemically marginalized backgrounds to develop coding skills through culturally relevant project-based learning, learning about different areas of computing, receive support in pursuing continued learning, etc.
For more opportunities like these, check out the UW Youth Program Directory.
Health Resources
Youth Ages 16-17 Are Now Eligible for Boosters
Families can find and schedule appointments for COVID-19 vaccines and boosters at vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov.
Early testing is important to help prevent COVID-19 from spreading to friends, family, and the community. Find a COVID-10 testing site near you.
SPIN Girls Monthly Newsletter | January 2022
Happy New Year!
I hope you all were able to stay safe and enjoy the holiday season! Here's to hoping 2022 brings more peace and joy to our lives!
In this month's newsletter, you'll find a recap of our activities in December and what your students can look forward to in January. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. - Jaira
MONTHLY RECAP - DECEMBER 2021
Field Day #2:
The Epic Cohort (8th Grade) virtually visited Blue Origin, learned about the possibility of living in space, and built mini parachutes.
The Luminous Cohort (9th Grade) virtually visited the Allen Institute, listened to a panel on women in neuroscience, and participated in a neuron building contest.
The Stellar Cohort (10th Grade) visited the UW Makerspace and built their own holiday themed plush toys using 3D printing and LED lights.
RESOURCES
COVID-19 Information and Resources December 16, 2021 update: Boosters for ages 16 and older. Anyone age 16 and older can now get a booster dose: 6 months after their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna (note: 16-17 years old can only get Pfizer). 2 months after one dose of J&J.
LOOKING FORWARD
SPIN students and mentors will need to bring proof of vaccination or a negative test result to all future SPIN events. Visit our website for an update on our COVID-19 protocols.
Lab Day #2 on January 8th. Lunch provided.
Where: Tukwila Community Center: 12424 42nd Ave S, Tukwila, WA 98168.
Epic Cohort (8th Grade): 9:30AM-1:00PM
Luminous Cohort (9th Grade): 9:30AM-1:00PM
Stellar Cohort (10th Grade): 1:00PM-4:30PM
8th and 9th graders, feel free to arrive at 9:00AM for extra mentor-mentee hangout time.
Field Day #3 on January 29th. Light snacks provided.
Epic Cohort (8th Grade), 9:30AM-11:30AM: Hutch United - Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (Virtual)
Luminous Cohort (9th Grade), 9:30AM-12:30PM: @ MacDonald Miller
Stellar Cohort (10th Grade), 1:30PM-4:30PM: @ TomboyX
SPIN GIRLS FELLOWS
Students who graduate from SPIN Girls are invited to apply for SPIN Girls Fellows in the Spring of their 10th grade year. 15 Fellows are accepted based on their commitment to SPIN Girls and their interest in pursuing a STEM career.
The goal of SPIN Girls Fellows is to empower SPIN Girls students to feel confident in pursuing STEM college majors & careers. The vision is to grow a strong alumni community, supported by SPIN Girls mentors, staff, and other alumni. SPIN Girls Fellows breaks down the barriers that girls* of color face when exploring and pursuing STEM careers and shapes a more inclusive future.
For more information visit our website: https://www.stempaths.org/spin-girls-fellows
SPIN Girls Monthly Newsletter | December 2021
Goodbye 2021!
2021 has been a year filled with change for all of us, but it's almost over! And despite everything this year has thrown at us, you all have continually shown up and participated in SPIN Girls events, which is INCREDIBLE. I admire and am so grateful for your dedication to this program.
In this month's newsletter, you'll find a recap of our activities in November and what your students can look forward to in December. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. - Jaira
November RECAP
Field Day #1:
The Epic Cohort (8th Grade) and the Luminous Cohort (9th Grade) cohort virtually visited the UW Arboretum and created their own Super Plants!
The Stellar Cohort (10th Grade) visited the Museum of Flight and listened to a panel on Women in Aviation.
RESOURCES
The Youth Bill of Rights (YBOR) is officially happening! We are excited to kickstart this youth-led project and share how young people across King County can participate and directly support the well-being, health, and happiness of their peers and communities. Follow along to learn more!
The Youth Digital Stewards Program - We're working to train students to build community-based internet that improves technology access in the Kent and Seattle areas. This is a FREE program with a $1200 stipend.
theWashBoard.org - Search and Apply for Scholarships. Private scholarships are one tool to help make college or training after high school more affordable. Businesses, organizations, and colleges award scholarships to students for community service, good grades, athletic ability, or a variety of other qualities or activities. Students in Washington can create a profile on theWashBoard.org to be matched with potential scholarship opportunities. The site is spam-free and will never sell your information.
Covid-19 Financial Support - City of Tacoma
Community Health Professions Academy - Are you interested in a career in Healthcare? Community Health Professions Academy (CHPA) a multi-session program at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. CHPA is aimed towards students from minority or underrepresented/rural communities interested in dentistry, medicine, public health and other healthcare related careers.
Visit our Facebook page: fb.com/UWOEPD
Priority deadline is December 5th, 2021 11:59PM PST
APPY HERE
The Federal Communications Commission has launched a temporary program to help families and households struggling to afford Internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Emergency Broadband Benefit provides a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.
LOOKING FORWARD
SPIN students and mentors will need to bring proof of vaccination or a negative test result to all future SPIN events. Visit our website for an update on our COVID-19 protocols.
Field Day #2 on December 4th 2021. Light snacks provided to those in person.
Epic Cohort (8th Grade), 9:30am-11:00am: Virtual Field Day with Blue Origin
Luminous Cohort (9th Grade), 9:30AM-11:00AM: Virtual Field Day with The Allen Institute
Stellar Cohort (10th Grade), 1:30PM-4:30PM: UW Makerspace - McCarty Innovation & Learning Lab (The MILL)
SPIN GIRLS FELLOWS
Our 2021-2022 SPIN Girls Fellows program is off to a wonderful start! This highly individualized two-year program is offered to 11th and 12th graders who have graduated from our SPIN Girls program. This year, the Fellows will explore different STEM professions, make personal and professional connections, receive extensive career and college advice, take on an independent project, apply to internships, and much more! Additionally, we offer monthly and bimonthly 1-on-1 check-ins with the program manager that are specifically catered to each Fellow and their post-secondary education needs.
We had our kick-off in the beginning of November and continue to meet every other Tuesday. For November and December, we will be focusing on the college application timeline and building a college list. With differences in the needs and interests of each Fellow, each cohort's focus topics will vary accordingly.
I hope to see you all apply for the SPIN Girls Fellows Program in the future! - Natalie
SPIN Girls Monthly Newsletter | November 2021
Happy Fall Season!
It was so nice to see all of you beautiful people in person at the first Lab Day! I hope you all had a wonderful October and managed to celebrate Halloween in some way even with COVID. In this month's newsletter, you'll find a recap of our activities in October and what your students can look forward to in November. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. - Jaira
OCTOBER RECAP
Lab Day #1:
The Epic Cohort (8th Grade) learned about biomimicry and constructed some awesome animal shelters.
The Luminous Cohort (9th Grade) began to build and program their own LEGO robots.
The Stellar Cohort (10th Grade) chose and started collecting research for their climate change projects.
RESOURCES
King County Vaccine Mandate Verification: Beginning October 25, people ages 12 and older will be required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result to enter certain indoor and outdoor events and establishments in King County.
MyIR Mobile is an internet-based service that gives people access to their official Washington state vaccination records including COVID-19 vaccination certificates.
17 Tips to Steer Kids of All Ages Through the Political Season, along with some tips from Headspace for relieving election anxiety.
Map of Ballot Drop Boxes in King County: Ballots must be returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day (11/2).
Health Professions Week (HPW) is an exciting and FREE week-long event for high school and college students interested in learning more about careers in the health professions. You will have the opportunity to explore 20+ diverse and rewarding health professions throughout a week of virtual activities 11/4-11/11.
Cal Poly's Engineering Possibilities in College is hosting a Summer program (virtual and in-person dates available). EPIC is open to all rising 6th-12th graders. The program’s primary goals are to attract more female, first-generation and low-income students to the field of engineering and inspire them to choose it as a career path. Application opens in January 2022.
LOOKING FORWARD
SPIN students and mentors will need to bring proof of vaccination or a negative test result within 72 hours to all future SPIN events. Visit our website for an update on our COVID-19 protocols.
Field Day #1 on November 6th. Light Snacks will be provided.
Epic (8th Grade) and Luminous Cohort (9th Grade), 9:30AM-12:30PM: UW Botanic Gardens at the Washington Park Arboretum - 2300 Arboretum Drive East, Seattle WA 98112
There is a UW home game at Husky Stadium on Nov 6th. This means traffic will be pretty bonkers around the park! Leave lots of extra time (especially if you are driving or busing) to get here so that you arrive on time!
Stellar Cohort (10th Grade), 1:30PM-4:30PM: Museum of Flight - 9404 E Marginal Way S, Seattle, WA 98108