Our partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County (BGCHR) started in February 2021. JMU students who are members of JMU STEM Corps visit two Harrisonburg City clubs on Friday afternoons to teach BGCHR members. As learning facilitators (LFs), they work in small groups of 2-3 LFs and 4-6 children. Our 10-week curriculum aims to demonstrate real-world applications of STEM practices while reinforcing science and math ideas learned in school. We aim for consistency with what and how students are learning the same concepts and practices in school. We also work closely with the BGCHR director and staff to align partnership goals and objectives. 

All About this Partnership Video

The lessons created by JMU STEM Center director, Kerry Cresawn, are designed to model real-world integration of STEM disciplines & practices, incorporate grade-level foundations, and foster ways of thinking in STEM. Our photo galleries offer the best insight into the relationships, teaching & engagement methods, and potential for impact. 

Year 6: Fall 2025-Spring 2026

• Week 1: Levers and Chain Reactions- Investigation & Mini Design Challenge
  • https://photos.app.goo.gl/u978h9Uq7SRirQNR7
• Week 2: Inclined Planes- Investigation & Mini Design Challenge
  • https://photos.app.goo.gl/L5FLCLxc1SXsWTvQA
• Week 3: Pulleys- Investigation & Mini Design Challenge
  • https://photos.app.goo.gl/EW1DpWag99T4xkfw9
    
• Week 4: Rube Goldberg Machine- Culminating Design Challenge
  • https://photos.app.goo.gl/S32ttXJBd6xfnbB17

Year 5: Fall 2024-Spring 2025

• Week 1: Thermometer Technology- Investigation
  • https://photos.app.goo.gl/XYp6HcBvLNwXwxz48
• Week 2: Wind Speed Technology- Investigation and Mini Design Challenge
  • https://photos.app.goo.gl/78Z7W77PKLp4PRS4A
• Week 3: Sail Boat Prototype Races- Design Challenge
  • https://photos.app.goo.gl/ABdDWdWGscUY6RQk9
• Weeks 4-8: Spring 2025 Highlights album
  • https://photos.app.goo.gl/Seg6oWT8JS9YcRVQA

The 75 Learning Facilitators in this partnership are lead by a team of 10 STEM Leadership Interns, 5 at each club, under the supervision and mentorship of STEM Center Director, Kerry Cresawn.

2025-2026 STEM Leadership Interns

• Coaching and Instructional Strategies
  • Leah Friedman and Davis Stiles
• Community Building
  • James Rodriguez, Kayla Glenn, and Katie Campbell
• Observation & Evaluation
  • George Zacharias and Abby Malloy
• Instructional Materials 
  • Mattie Williamson, Sarah Kennedy, and Rachel Kern

George, Abby, James, Dr. Cresawn, Davis, Rachel, Mattie, Katie, Sarah, Leah, Kayla.