Meet your Chief Holiday Elf — Mantra Williams!

As the STEAM Program Director for the Gateway Region YMCA Community Development Department, I usually spend my days helping 5th–8th graders build underwater drones, assemble electrical circuits, and teaching girls how to use power tools and see themselves in STEAM careers.

But this holiday season, I’m putting on the Elf suit and "Doing for the Dough"—raising the funds ("dough!") needed to ensure that no child’s birth zip code limits their opportunity to innovate!

Why We Need Your "Dough": The Challenge & Our Impact

By 8th grade, 50% of all students—and an even higher percentage of girls and students of color—decide that STEM is "not for them." We actively disrupt that drop-off across high-need areas by delivering free, high-quality STEAM programs directly inside local schools.

444 enrolled scholars served across 7 partner locations in 2025 ($307K+ in community value).

44 students across 7 teams built functional underwater drones with real power tools in Spring 2026.

227 summer scholars explored flying drones & Snap Circuits (94% felt a deep sense of belonging; 95% showed growth-mindset persistence!).

80%+ of participants build high STEM self-efficacy, declaring future career goals as NASA engineers, marine biologists, and computer programmers.

3. Festive "Dough" Giving Tiers

🍪 $25 — "Cookie Dough" Level

Funds Snap Circuits, batteries, and hands-on supplies for 1 SparkLab coding & maker session.

🧁 $50 — "Sweet Science" Level

Provides snacks and safe-space activity materials for a TechBridge Girls scholar.

🍞 $100 — "Rising Dough" Level

Fully sponsors 1 student’s scholarship for a complete multi-week STEAM cycle.

🛠️ $250 — "Baking Breakthroughs" Level

Equips a team with a heavy-duty power toolset (drills, PVC cutters, crimpers) for Underwater Robotics.

🤖 $1,200 — "The Master Baker" (Mega Dough)

Fully sponsors 1 Complete Underwater Robotics (ROV) Kit (motors, tools, tether wiring, and frame materials for an entire school team!).