This past summer, over 800 TK-8th grade students in Perris, CA, discovered the wonders of engineering and technology through STEM Center USA’s expanded learning partnership with Perris Elementary School District. During (2) two-week sessions in June and July, our instructors led students in hands-on STEM projects that made engineering concepts come alive. Activities included creating geometric shapes with tangrams, building mini catapults, designing Bristle Bots, crafting DIY LED cards, and more! Each project integrated math and ELA and aligned with CA Common Core standards. Our bilingual coursework in English and Spanish also helped English Language Learners better grasp the topics and concepts behind each engaging project.
About Perris Elementary School District
The Perris Elementary School District (PESD), founded in 1885 alongside the city of Perris, CA, serves over 5,500 students. Located 75 miles southeast of Los Angeles, 44.3% of PESD's students are identified as English Language Learners.
PESD is dedicated to creating a supportive community that fosters belonging, inspires leadership, and ensures academic and personal success for all students. The district operates eight elementary schools emphasizing inclusive learning environments where every student feels valued, supported, challenged, and empowered. Through strong community and family partnerships, innovative educational practices, and a focus on equity and excellence, PESD aims to inspire lifelong learners who are prepared to lead and contribute meaningfully to an ever-changing world.
Hands-On STEM Education
The California Department of Education's Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) supported PESD’s summer enrichment initiative. This program aims to address students' academic, social, emotional, and physical needs and interests through hands-on, engaging learning experiences in before-school, after-school, intersessions, and summer programs.
STEM Center USA’s in-person summer enrichment programs served 470 TK-8th grade students in June and 360 students in July at three school sites: Clearwater Elementary School, Enchanted Hills Elementary School, and Innovative Horizons Charter School.
TK-3rd grade students participated in our Early STEM and Mini Makers courses where they were introduced to design concepts through building manipulatives, crafting projects, and a "technical alphabet." These activities included themed science and physics topics as students focused on developing hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and engineering basics.
Our 4th-8th graders embarked on an engineering journey, where they experienced the design, development, and construction process just like real engineers! They explored structures, cars, and circuits. With beginner to intermediate design challenges, students applied their knowledge in a creative, STEM-focused environment.
In all, the PESD students completed 252 hours of instruction, designing and building their personalized STEM projects, which they were able to take home to share with family and friends!
Accessibility for All
A key factor in our program's success was our ability to serve ALL 830 students daily with a team of just six STEM instructors!
By scheduling 35–45-minute class rotations from 8 AM - 12 PM, Monday through Friday, our instructors could engage 40 students per session at each school site. We assigned two STEM instructors per classroom, maintaining a 1:10 ratio for TK–K students and a 1:15 ratio for 1st–8th graders.
This streamlined schedule enabled every student to experience hands-on STEM projects that boosted their confidence, critical thinking, and creativity. Efficient staffing allowed PESD to serve more students across three school sites while staying within budget and meeting learning objectives.
Meaningful Partnerships
STEM Center USA is dedicated to building lasting partnerships with schools by consistently delivering high-quality, customized STEM programs. Together, we can expand students' understanding of STEM concepts through coursework that fosters creativity, boosts confidence, and builds a foundational knowledge of technology.
Our partnership with PESD began in Summer 2023, working with roughly 100 students at three elementary school sites. The success of the summer program led to continued and expanded collaboration, including ELO-P programs in Spring Break 2024 and Summer 2024.
Our all-inclusive programs helped school administrators in Perris, CA, expand meaningful learning opportunities while addressing staffing shortages. Through our programs, all materials, including 1:1 STEM kits, and experienced STEM instruction were provided.
Enriching Student Experiences
To measure the impact of this program, we gathered data through oral and written surveys. Student feedback from these Summer 2024 programs speaks for itself.
With Gratitude
We are grateful to the dedicated teachers and administrators at the Perris Elementary School District who made this program possible. We also extend a big thank you to our amazing STEM instructors: Alexa, Bryan, Daisy, Jocelyn, Marturia, Melissa, and Shayna. Their energy and passion made this program a success!
We love working with partners like PESD. Schedule a chat with our team so we can set up a customized program for your site!
