Through the generosity and partnership of Valley Christian High School, we were able to set up computer labs with a total of 15 iMac computers for the Pine Ridge Reconciliation Center. Jason Shorey, one of our senior members, designed and led a computer literacy workshop. Matthew Zhang, president of the FRC 9400 robotics team, brought a 3D printer and designed and led a workshop where students learned CAD, designed, and printed their 3D creations. Josie Miller, also a member of the robotics team, offered her expertise to help lead this workshop as well. Our biggest thanks to Valley Christian High School for helping make this happen!

A member of the FRC robotics team at VCHS, Matthew Zhang created a curriculum for learning the principles of mechanical engineering through a slideshow and hands on activities--from creating a projectile launcher to dropping eggs cushioned with cotton balls and straws from the roof (but don't worry--no food was wasted, as all eggs were sealed in ziplock bags and scrambled soon after). Throughout the process, Matthew encourages the children to be creative in drafting their own designs.

Have a look at our mini-library with over 370 books across all reading levels and genres! Reading from a young age is a struggle for many children growing up on the Pine Ridge Reservation, as there is currently no public library available. Thanks to the vision and consistent efforts of our volunteers, Shivane Senthilkumaran, Nathan Pham, and Samantha Wu, we were able to provide daily reading time to the kids in this program, including helping many kids learn to read. In addition, Shivane and Nathan designed and led art activities inspired by books we read together.

Justin and Ethan Teh led an engaging entrepreneurship workshop introducing students to the world of business and innovation. Through hands-on activities, children brainstormed original business ideas, developed prototypes, designed marketing posters, and crafted business pitches—from bookstores and makeup brands to other creative ventures. To conclude the workshop, students presented their ideas in a mock “investor pitch” session to a panel of judges. Throughout the process, Justin encouraged students to think creatively and strategically while developing valuable skills in communication, planning, teamwork, financial thinking, and entrepreneurship.

As a team lead in the VCS International Space Station Research Program and Miss San Jose's Teen, Jasmine Wu wanted to spread her love for outer space research and STEM, and empower students to dream big. Dorsa Solimani, who is passionate about art and environmental science, wanted to pass on both her love for arts and crafts and the sciences. Together, they brought to life a series of Astronaut Training Workshops to pique students' curiosity in the field of STEM, fused with arts--blasting off with water bottle rockets, to designing astronaut helmets with paper mache, to experimenting with colorful chemical reactions.

Partnering with Valley Christian Elementary school, Jasmine Wu raised over 200 dresses and costumes to put on a spectacular Inner Beauty Pageant! As the National American Miss Santa Clara County, Jasmine crafted personalized speeches for every child, worked with them on their runway walk, and most importantly, encouraged every child to pursue their aspirations. She worked with Christopher Liu, the captain of the Speech and Debate team at Valley Christian High School (VCHS), to build up the childrens' public speaking skills and confidence.

Justin Teh and Nathan Teh, member of the FTC robotics team and VCS underwater robotics team, brought to life a weeklong curriculum exploring the foundations of mechanical engineering. Co-presidents of the Arduino outreach program at Stratford Preparatory school, Megha Arora and Allison Lao designed a hands on curriculum filled with activities where students explored circuitry. Vivian Yue, involved in the VCS Math Team, and ISS RL and MATE ROV, designed a workshop exploring the power of electromagnets.

The Fellow of VCHS's Health and Wellness Program, Kimberly Tong, and the Biology Fellow of the VCHS International Space Station Research Program, Samantha Wu, put together a Biology and Health workshop, where children could investigate these fields from the tiniest protein structures within cells to large organ systems. From modeling the inner workings of cells with slime, glitter, and clay, mimicking blood cells traveling through the different parts of the heart, to growing microgreens to eat for lunch, they aimed to promote healthy living, and inspire future healthcare workers and researchers.

A paper crane poised in flight. Tables strewn with coloring pages. Rachel Chen and Yiwen Gong fostered an environment where creativity comes to life with colorful paper creatures, pages of kaleidoscope flowers and shapes, and glistening friendship bracelets. This workshop also taught the fundamentals of portraiture and figure drawing, equipping children with tools and mediums to bring their creative visions to life!

UPenn’s undergraduate medical humanities journal, Word for Word, organized and hosted a Doctor Training Camp where students learned basic lifesaving medical skills and reflected on the values of a good doctor. Students practiced taking a manual pulse and blood pressure, effective CPR/AED use, bleeding control, and more. Hands-on demonstrations introduced the basics of the circulatory system, while students reflected on what healing means in Lakota language and culture. The program was led by Samantha Wu and Joysong Zhang.