The Purpose:

A Great Education Secures the Future of Foster Children

We are an organization of high school students and our mentors in Miami-Dade County seeking to create learning opportunities in S.T.E.A.M. for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. S.T.E.A.M. includes: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. Access to enriching learning activities in these fields will stregthen the children academically and will restore their confidence.

We have worked with His House Children's Home since 2017. We have seen the love, care and guidance that the children receive when they live at His House. It is the largest foster home in Florida, with capacity to help 200+ children, many of whom have been abused or trafficked. In the last 35 years, they have restored the lives of over 25,000 children.

We would like to make a difference by helping them build a S.T.EA.M. Center for the children. With these capabiities, His House will not only be able to nurture and care for the children, but they will also be able to prepare them for a brighter future.

The national statistics show that 50% of foster kids can end up experiencing homelessness, and less than 4% receive a 4-year college education. A solid educational base in childhood will give them the skills to attend college and have successful careers. The S.T.E.A.M. center could be the first step towards a secure and productive life.

You can read more details about our campaign for a S.T.E.A.M Center at His House below. Feel free to visit their website at hhch.org as well as ours at ARTfor HumanKind.org.

A video of His House Children's Home is also included in our Gallery for reference and to learn more about their mission to help foster children.

Thank you for your consideration and support!

The A.R.T. for HumanKind Team

https://www.instagram.com/art_for_humankind/

https://www.instagram.com/hishousemiami/

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The Project

We are seeking the support of members of our community to build a S.T.E.A.M. Center for the children of His House Children's Home. On average, 200 youth who have been abandoned, abused or neglected live on campus; this is their home. 100% of them have been negatively impacted by the trauma that brought them to His House.

The property, although big, has no additional space to create purpose-driven spaces to help them cope and advance their learning capabilities after the various mental and physical ailments caused by their trauma. We have approval for the installation of modified, living containers which will provide a suitable, safe and cost-efficient space for learning.

The S.T.E.A.M. Center will provide youth on campus an opportunity to advance in math and discover science, helping bridge the gap in their education. It will also introduce them to visual art, known to be a stress reliever and reduce symptoms of anxiety. These activities will boost the youth's education and self-esteem. Currently, there are no such facilities on campus and no building that can be retrofitted to create this space.

Project Impact

Foster youth have faced challenges outside the classroom which have seriously impacted their academic performance and led to low rates of college enrollment.

• Only 3-4% of former foster youth receive a four-year college degree.

• Between 2 and 6% obtain a two-year degree.

• Overall, less than 10% of former foster youth graduate from college with any kind of degree.

• It is difficult for young adults to achieve success and an independence in life.

• As high as 50% may end up experiencing homelessness or in the prison system.

This is an opportunity to enrich our kids' lives by advancing their math and technical skills while cultivating the love for science and art in a dedicated space.

Second Chances & Brighter Futures

• Ransom Everglades students spearheaded the initiative for a S.T.E.A.M. Center to advance education in core subjects and nurture intellectual creativity in all children. Building the center is now the collective mission of all students from A.R.T. for HumanKind.

• The center will provide SAT math prep sessions to ensure the youth have equal opportunity for success in the college admissions process.

• A certified teacher will provide lessons in computer science at various levels as well as in the natural sciences, giving the youth an opportunity to advance in their education.

• The art studio will empower the children's creative process and may serve as a catalyst for emotional healing and intellectual maturity.

Project Scope

Target Date: Completion by Q2 2025

Location: On campus. Containers are portable and can be installed in ideal locations as needed.

Budget:

• We estimate approximately $68,000 for the containers and full build-out with installation, cabinets, electricity, water, as well as approximately $34,400 for furniture, technology, and supplies.

• A one-year salary for a qualified part-time S.T.E.A.M. teacher and support staff is also included as this is of critical importance for the consistent daily operation of the center and for conducting educational activities: $30,000

Total: $132,400