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SPIN Girls Monthly Newsletter | March 2022
It's Women's History Month!
SPIN Girls is celebrating Women’s History Month by shining a light on our mentors in STEM! These inspirational women are doing amazing work and are impacting the industries they serve by helping to pave the way for future female innovators to do the same. THANK YOU SPIN GIRLS MENTORS!
In this month's newsletter, you'll find a recap of our activities in February and what your students can look forward to in March. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. - Jaira
MONTHLY RECAP
Lab Day #3:
The Epic Cohort (8th Grade) students designed an article of clothing inspired by the various ways animals and plants protect themselves.
The Luminous Cohort (9th Grade) students programmed their own LEGO robots and used color sensing technology.
The Stellar Cohort (10th Grade) students continued their climate change research projects and prepared for their capstone presentations!
RESOURCES
Neighborhood House is pleased to be partnering with Inspiring Here and Now to offer this free online workshop for African American parents and teens ages 12-16! Each parent/caregiver receives a $75 gift card for participation. ***Inspiring Here & Now Supports Black and Brown families by providing the Strong African American Families-Teen Program (SAAF-T). SAAF-T is a program that is effectively helping families of color to learn skills needed for teens to resist drug use, make responsible choices about sexual activity, plan for higher education, and careers. Parents and teens learn together in weekly sessions featuring fun activities. This program was developed specifically for African American families and is evidence-based. Flyer and registration form here.
Leaders of Today is an organization focused on providing youth with mentorship from leading professionals to foster a culture of innovation and nurture the next generation of Leaders of Today. Interest in writing or STEM? Enter the 2022 Leaders of Today Competition by April 30th 2022. Competition winners will serve as our 2022 Leaders of Today "Youth Visionaries" and are chosen by the Adult Ambassadors in their chosen category.
An invitation for King County youth to join the 2022 Youth Forum!The King County Youth Bill of Rights Task Force (meet them again, here!) are hosting a community conversation about issues critically impacting young people, 24 years old and younger, in our region. The forum will be led by the Task Force members who will share and facilitate conversations around mental health, resource scarcity and equity, school challenges, and more. Click here to learn more and view registration details!
EPIC-Engineering Possibilities in College shares Cal Poly’s College of Engineering mission “to educate students for careers of service, leadership, and distinction in engineering or other fields by using a Learn by Doing, hands-on approach." 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. Applications closes April 15, 2022 at 5:00 pm (PST). Apply here.
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 #4 on Saturday 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 - Microsoft
Stellar Cohort (10th Grade), 1:30PM-4:30PM: @ Adaptive Biotechnologies
Lab Day #4 on Saturday March 26th, 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.
SPIN GIRLS FELLOWS
"In February, the SPIN Fellows met for their in-person check-in where they made lists of their dream colleges (including the University of Hawaii, WSU, Berkeley, Portland State, and Osaka University Japan) and continued 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 also hold bi-weekly study group sessions as a new space to focus on schoolwork, standardized test prep, and general group bonding. "
- 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 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