This school year, a group of seniors at Townsend Harris High School has launched a new chapter of STEMsters, a non-profit organization aimed at promoting STEM education among younger students. The initiative was spearheaded by Mohashin Tasfiya, Raisa Kamal, Amber Liu, and Saniha Jasrah, who are dedicated to inspiring younger learners through hands-on science projects.
STEMsters operates after school and relies on volunteers, although it is not officially recognized as a club at THHS. The group does not adhere to a fixed meeting schedule, allowing members the flexibility to collaborate on lessons. “I think one area we can improve on in the future is organization. Right now, we communicate through a group chat with our volunteers to determine who can attend each lesson,” said treasurer Saniha Jasrah, who hopes to recruit more volunteers to help expand their educational offerings.
The chapter’s president, Mohashin Tasfiya, emphasized the importance of introducing STEM concepts at an early age. “STEMsters gave me and the Townsend Harris community an opportunity to introduce STEM concepts to students from an early age, as well as volunteer and give back to the community meaningfully,” she stated. Tasfiya reflected on her own experiences growing up in a low-income household, noting that limited access to STEM resources inspired her to provide similar exposures for children in comparable situations.
The program covers a wide range of scientific topics, including biology, chemistry, and physics. Activities such as hydraulic presses and egg drops are designed to engage students in grades K-5, potentially igniting their interest in science. Vice president Amber Liu stated, “We plan to incorporate ideas from physics and technology in order to tap into new forums which motivate them to keep pursuing STEM going forward.”
Katherine Cooper, an AP Biology and Science Research teacher, highlighted the importance of engaging students through hands-on activities. “If you get them involved in activities, the hope is that they keep asking questions. And if they keep asking questions, you can keep finding solutions,” she noted.
Secretary Raisa Kamal shared her experience, saying, “It’s not unusual for students to perfect their designs on the first try, but more often we find that they make minor mistakes down the line or require assistance for certain steps. Seeing the smiles and the sense of accomplishment on their faces when their contraptions are fully functioning is truly what makes volunteering so fulfilling.”
Kamal became involved with STEMsters after discovering the organization through an announcement about open board positions. After learning more, she was impressed by their mission to inspire young minds in STEM. The board is currently seeking candidates for public relations and event coordinator roles.
Saniha Jasrah concluded, “I hope others can see how STEMsters is a super rewarding experience. I see it as a real chance to inspire the next generation and see the impact you’re making in real time.”
