My name is Slayde Kerner and I noticed the need for more science, technology, engineering and mathematics or (STEM), in my school. In 7th grade, I started a very successful STEM computer after-school club. Every week, I was teaching over 45 students and had a wait list of over 130 students. Due to the high demand, I decided to broaden the availability of the program to all the students in the coun
ty and have opened CraftingEducation Academy, Inc. CraftingEducation is a STEM educational non-profit charitable Academy focusing on various software programs to enrich the lives of our youth through technology and innovation. CraftingEducation Academy is designed to be focused on the individual student to create an interactive, inspiring environment for innovative thinking and collaborative work using various digital media. We will offer courses for K-12 including various digital media, 3D printing, Robotics, Art and an amazing Leadership Academy. The Leadership Academy is a program for select students, 11-17, to develop the skills to become the course leader. The leaders take on the responsibility to assist in instruction, design programs, develop curriculums and contribute to the learning of others. This allows the kids to learn easier from role models, succeed higher, develop business skills and aspire to become the next entrepreneur. These students will also have the opportunity to apply for a partial scholarship after the completion of the Academy. We have the support of the Florida Institute of Technology engineering department including intern programs with FIT, volunteer programs through local high schools and middle schools to further enhance opportunities throughout the community.