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Pictured are (l-r) Snyder High School juniors Bonnie Jasper, Ruth Cabrera, Meera Bhakta and Jesi Hunter. They are designing a mobile STEM and health care learning program utilizing what will be known as the STREAM bus.
A group of Snyder High School students is working on a project that has the potential to have a lasting effect on the entire community.
Four juniors — Ruth Cabrera, Jesi Hunter, Bonnie Jasper and Meera Bhakta are working to help develop a mobile learning program called the science, technology, reading, engineering arts and mathematics (STREAM) Bus.
“This is a great opportunity to do something good for our community,” Cabrera said. “I wanted to do something that will have a great impact on not only students but the entire community. This is something that everyone can benefit from.”
Hunter said the team’s mission is, “Improve anyone, anytime, anywhere.”
“The goal is to help promote learning in our community because 22 percent of Scurry County does not have a diploma,” Hunter said. “We want to help build our community and give skills and knowledge anyone can benefit from for free.”
The mobile learning program will offer free learning sessions in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and health education to the entire community.
Snyder ISD Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Coordinator Ryan Maney said the students are redesigning a bus that the district’s transportation Department donated last fall.
Maney said the bus still operates properly and the students wanted to turn the bus into a hands-on mobile classroom.
“The entire project is very student-centered,” he said. “This is giving students ownership of the project. They come up with the idea, network and speak to community members on their own.” “As you can see, my excitement for this project is two fold: One, that the STREAM (bus) has the potential to have a huge impact on the teaching and learning that we can offer to all in our community, not just students; and two, that this project is being led by students who are passionate about bringing meaningful innovation to their community.”
STREAM Bus will be equipped with a 3-D printer, mobile hotspot, iPads, a library and tools and supplies, as well as lessons focused on healthy eating and activities.
A pilot class will be offered this summer through the ACE summer program.
Bhakta said they also plan to drive the bus to neighborhoods, parks and community events during the summer to offer their lessons.
The students will have their first public display during the city’s annual July 4 celebration.
Lessons will be planned and taught by the four students and Maney, Cabrera said.
The estimated cost for the project is $10,000. Maney said the bus itself would have been the largest expenditure, but since it was donated it cut down on the cost.
Maney said the remaining cost will be covered through fundraising efforts, in-kind donations and grant funds.
They will be presenting their proposals to local organizations including the Snyder Lions, Kiwanis and Rotary clubs, as well as the Snyder Education Foundation.
The team will present their project to 2019 Texas Midwest Community Network (TMCN) leadership competition judges in September.
Maney said the top three teams will be awarded a scholarship.
“We want the bus to be a Snyder High School 2020 legacy,” Hunter said. “Hopefully it will expand and become something bigger than we ever hoped for.”