Stories of Impact: DigiBridge

By Gigi Egge 2024 WIF grantee Digi-Bridge is focused on promoting science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) learning among students in underrepresented communities.  Since 2014, they have provided hands-on STEAM experiences to more than 20,000 CMS K through 8^th grade students, primarily from Title 1 schools. On October 3, Digi-Bridge kicked off their new Environmental Education Initiative at the newly renovated Sullenberger Aviation Museum. The Environmental Education Initiative: Community Cohort of Future Environmental Leaders empowers 20 middle school students from the Charlotte area to tackle environmental challenges through a collaborative learning experience. This program unites Digi-Bridge, corporate partners, nonprofits (including TreesCharlotte, and Catawba Riverkeeper), and community organizations to focus on environmental sustainability. This initiative will cultivate a new generation of environmental citizens who are knowledgeable and motivated to take action in their communities.  Participants will also discover potential career paths in environmental fields. Underrepresented communities tend to be disproportionately impacted by environmental challenges, and this program aims to provide a holistic view of such challenges facing the Charlotte area. Participants will engage in hands-on projects, field trips, and mentorship opportunities while exploring key themes in the curriculum. The first unit, Fossil Fuels & Environmental Sustainability, examines the impacts of fossil fuels and sustainable alternatives. The second unit, Clean Energy Solutions, highlights innovative energy sources to combat climate change. The third unit, Urban Solutions, addresses sustainability challenges in urban areas and explores strategies for greener cities. The program culminates in a Capstone Project, where students apply their learning to real-world environmental issues in their communities. WIF is excited to partner with Digi-Bridge to help further their mission of providing STEAM programming to students who otherwise may not be exposed to these critically important topics. WIF members can also help support Digi-Bridge by:

• Attending a Digi-Bytes Impact Tour, to better understand the organization’s mission, and to help spread the word
• Serving as chaperones for field trips
• Identifying WIF members who work in *ANY* STEAM-related fields, to potentially be guest speakers to students
• Assembling and organizing STEAMKits (which can be done individually or as part of a teambuilding activity; please contact the Digi-Bridge Community Engagement Manager at kaity@digi-bridge.org to learn about planning a teambuilding activity with your organization!).