Square Root Academy - Who We Are
Science + Technology + Engineering + Arts + Mathematics = STEAM. Square Root Academy is a STEAM-based non-profit organization dedicated to educating underrepresented youth (our “Scholars”) on the fundamentals of STEAM while emphasizing collaborative learning, innovation, and academic excellence. This goal is executed under our three key pillars: Community Involvement, Project-based Learning, and Professional STEAM Exposure. We expose Academy scholars to the growing field of STEAM at no cost, while promoting creativity, leadership, and academic excellence.
In fulfilling our mission, we partner with schools, libraries, local governments, other community organizations, and leaders in industry. We develop and implement robust, adaptive, and engaging after-school and co-curricular programs in the physical and digital spaces. We work collaboratively, innovate regularly, and prioritize the continual learning, engagement, and growth of our team members. We commit to excellence in service to our communities and positioning ourselves as Sacramento’s STEAM Program.
Who We Help: Our Local Scholars, in Grades 5-12 - During School, After School, In the Summer, and (sometimes) on Weekends
Our target population we serve is Scholars who are in grades 5 through 12, and are part of communities underrepresented in STEAM academic and professional fields. For example, did you know that Latinos make up 16% of the U.S. workforce but only 9% of STEAM workers, and that Black women account for only 3% of degrees earned in computing? Team #SquareRoot works to change this fact.
Our Scholars usually live in school district attendance zones around Sacramento. Currently, a majority of our Scholars attend Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD) or Elk Grove Unified School District (EGUSD) schools.
Most Scholars in our programs join Square Root Academy through engaging recruitment efforts! Some participate as parts of partnerships with Square Root Academy and classes during the school day.
Our Scholars gather in any of these places: At local schools (during the day or after school); at community centers and libraries; at Lab 7, our facility; and virtually through digital formats, such as Zoom!
