COVID-19 has not stopped UCLA student organization Building Engineers and Mentors (BEAM) from bringing hands-on, complimentary STEM lessons and activities to underserved K-8 schools across Los Angeles. In fact, BEAM stepped up its efforts in serving students from lower-income families and underrepresented groups that have little or no access to quality STEM education.
Similar to the students they serve, BEAM members come from a variety of backgrounds. Nineteen of BEAM’s 28 active members are engineering students, whereas the remainder are split between life sciences and physical sciences majors. From freshmen to seniors, each BEAM mentor has had prior experience working with children and shares a deep passion for science education.
BEAM President Laurel Woods, a third-year computer science and cognitive science student, says she was immediately drawn to BEAM at an engineering club…