(With a Little Help from Parents and Mentors, Too!)

At Kente Academy, we believe every student has the power to solve problems, create solutions, and shape the world through STEM (remember: that’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Whether it’s building robots, testing science hypotheses, or coding games, STEM gives students the tools to dream big and act on it.

This month, we’re excited to highlight two real-life stories that show what’s possible when young people get inspired by science and technology. And for parents, we’ll share practical tips to help you nurture your child’s STEM talents at any age.

Middle Schoolers Use AI to Predict Flash Floods

In Florida, a group of middle school students turned classroom lessons into life-saving innovation. After learning about natural disasters and climate change, they created an AI-powered model to predict flash floods using local terrain and weather data. Their system was so impressive that local emergency services took notice, and their work was recently featured in ScienceDaily.

This is a powerful reminder that even middle schoolers, when given the right tools and encouragement, can develop solutions to real-world problems.

Teen Researcher Discovers Potential Cancer-Fighting Molecule

In another amazing example, a high school student participating in a summer research program made a groundbreaking discovery. While working with a team of biochemists, she identified a molecule that may slow the spread of certain cancers by blocking how cells move. Her work is giving scientists new ideas for potential treatments, and it all started with one student, one lab, and one question.

It’s not just about science class anymore, students are contributing to research that could save lives.

Parents: How You Can Support Your Child’s STEM Growth

You don’t need to be a math whiz or a computer programmer to raise a confident STEM learner. What children need most is encouragement, curiosity, and consistent support. Here are 5 ways you can help:

Ask Open-Ended Questions

“What did you notice?” or “What would happen if…?” can help children think like scientists.

2. Explore Real-World Applications

Relate STEM concepts to daily life, like cooking (chemistry), budgeting (math), or fixing things around the house (engineering).

3. Encourage Projects at Home

Building a paper rocket, designing a game, or growing a garden are all STEM-rich activities.

4. Celebrate Mistakes and Curiosity

STEM is about trying, failing, and trying again. Praise effort, not just results.

5. Find a Mentor or Program

Programs like Kente Academy offer tutoring, coaching, and support to guide kids in their STEM journeys as well as their parents.

How Kente Academy Helps Students Thrive in STEM

At Kente Academy, we’re not just teaching math and science—we’re building STEM confidence, curiosity, and capability in every student we work with. Here’s how we support young learners:

Personalized Tutoring in STEM Subjects

We offer 1:1 and small-group tutoring in math, biology, chemistry, physics, coding, and more, from elementary to college levels.

Project-Based Learning & Mentorship

Students explore their interests through real-world projects, research mentoring, and skill-building sessions in areas like robotics, AI, and data science.

STEM Test Prep

We help students prepare for standardized tests like ISEE, PSAT, ASVAB, SAT, ACT, GRE, with a focus on the science and math sections.

College & Career Coaching

From STEM internships to building standout college applications, we guide students toward competitive programs and careers in science and technology.

Parental Support & Progress Reports

We keep parents in the loop with regular updates and tools to support learning at home.

No matter where your child is on their STEM journey, Kente Academy can help them grow with confidence, clarity, and creativity.

Want to learn more? Schedule a free consultation or Visit our website!

What This Means for Students

Both of the student stories above remind us of one key lesson: you don’t have to wait until college to make a difference.

Whether you’re coding in your bedroom, asking tough science questions in class, or trying to solve a local issue—you’re already doing the work of a scientist, engineer, or inventor.

So we ask:

What’s a problem in your school or community that STEM could help solve?
What’s something new you’d love to build, test, or improve?

Who inspires you—and who might you inspire?

The Future is STEM: Students Are Leading the Way