CBIA BizCast: STEM Lab Turns Play Into Learning

On any given day after school, you might think kids would rather play than to keep going to class. 

But in a way, that’s just what’s happening at the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club’s new STEM lab at their Madison Avenue community clubhouse in Bridgeport.

The organization gave the CBIA BizCast team an up-close look at the space that they built in partnership with global semiconductor industry leader ASML. 

Community Space

“We have about 50 to 75 kids, depending on the day, that are coming in regularly, to use our space,” said Wakeman Boys & Girls Club CEO Sabrina Smeltz.

“When you have the opportunity to see the students in the kids in this space, they look like they’re playing, but they’re learning,” said ASML program manager for society and community engagement Brian Amero. 

“They’re actively learning. They’re problem solving.”

“It’s a community center, it’s a partnership, and it’s an awesome space.”

Wakeman Boys & Girls Club’s Sabrina Smeltz

The Wakeman Boys & Girls Club is no stranger to the area, first opening its doors in Southport in 1913. 

The organization opened its first location in Bridgeport about 15 years ago, and opened the Madison Ave. clubhouse in 2023.

The facility offers programs for kids aged three up to 18, with an early learning preschool center and after school programs including sports, arts, technology, and STEM. 

“It’s a community center, it’s a partnership, and it’s an awesome space,” said Smeltz.

‘Transformational’ Partnership

Wakeman’s relationship with ASML began a few years ago. 

The Netherlands-based company, which employs 3,300 people at its Wilton location, is an advanced lithography company that makes machines used to produce microchips.

Amero, who started with the company in 2022, was looking to build new community partnerships.

“It’s not enough for us to write a check, slap our logo on something and walk away from it.”

ASML’s Brian Amero

“It’s not enough for us to write a check, slap our logo on something, and walk away from it,” Amero said. 

“We wanted a seat at the table. This entire process has been incredibly hands-on for us.”

“We both went into this being transformational,” Smeltz said. “How are we going to move that needle? How are we going to measure some outcomes?”

‘Intentionality’

That partnership led to the creation of the STEM lab. 

“There’s been a lot of intentionality around this,” Smeltz said. 

“We built in staff time and training time to be able to be successful, because ultimately, we don’t want a whole bunch of stuff just sitting in a room. 

”We want it to be used all the time.”

“We’re challenging our kids to learn.”

Smeltz

Smelz said the partnership with ASML helped them train their staff to run the lab, which offers everything from robotics to hydroponics, mechanics, engineering, and STEM art learning opportunities. 

“We’re challenging our kids to learn,” she said.

“It could be an experiment, it could be a problem to solve, it could be a challenge.

“And working in groups, working separately, all of that happens in our after school program.”

Engaging Students

And it’s not just Wakeman staff that are getting hands on with the kids. ASML employees also spend a lot of time volunteering at the club. 

“When the students here have the opportunity to engage with ASML employees, they see themselves reflected in our workforce,” Amero said.

“They’re seeing somebody who comes from a similar background. 

“We do have aspirations to increase the amount of time that our staff are spending here.”

Amero

“And if they can do it, so can you. And I love that secondary benefit to giving back to our community.”

The company provides eight hours of PTO time for full-time employees to volunteer.

“They’re thirsty for these opportunities,” Amero said. 

“We do have aspirations to increase the amount of time that our staff are spending here, and to really help shape and influence and guide the youth here.

Life Skills

Smeltz said the skills the students are gaining in the lab go beyond learning technical skills. 

“Sometimes these projects don’t go the way they planned,” she said. 

“It is absolutely magic.”

Amero

“And I think that sometimes is even the more exciting part of it, because our kids are learning in a day-to-day environment that isn’t scripted, but is helping them learn how to solve the problem, deal with conflict.”

“The skills that they’re learning in this lab are the skills that will help elevate them to jobs and career success,” Amero added

“It is absolutely magic. It’s just great to see.”

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