Over the past few years, a new learning program has been growing quietly in the shadows of downstairs CSI. The Stem-Partnership Program (SPP), is a bilingual course that encourages students to create real-world connections. The students enhance their real-life skills by recruiting clients, practicing communication, and coming together to make a bigger impact beyond Warren Ave.
This year the SPP has about nine to ten students taking four classes during the first term. These classes include Integrated Spanish, Integrated Science 2, Engineering, and Issues in Social Justice. The classes listed above are handpicked to help students grow in all aspects of life and learning, ensuring they are prepared for the partnerships offered during the program. The four core partnerships the program has are with the St. Andrew School in Drexel Hill, El Garaje (Garage) in Avondale, El Instituto in Monteverde, and finally the Monteverde Friends School.
Mr. Buscaglia, Upper School Spanish teacher and one of the main leaders, has always had connections with the Montaverde School. In a recent conversation with Senor Buscaglia, he mentioned, “there was the class of 2027, as eighth graders. I took a group of twelve of them to Monte Verde Costa Rica, because a friend of mine is the head of a school in Monte Verde, Costa Rica. I guess it’s a good connection to have. I always keep it in my back pocket just in case.”
This significant idea from Mr. Buscaglia would end up turning into something bigger. Dr. Quinn, Lead of Curriculum and Upper School Science teacher, explained that the program’s first steps occurred after a Robotics tournament two years ago. “We were paired up with the number one ranked team and then a rookie team from Mexico. During the strategy meeting with both teams, we realized there was a language barrier, however there was no need for panic as Mr. Buscalglia spoke fluent Spanish.”
This interaction between the teams opened the opportunities for something that involved Robotics and a Spanish-speaking environment.
“One of the first things we had to do was to find teachers that fit our model and were excited and willing to go on this journey together. We obviously wanted teachers that wanted a Spanish speaking background, so we brought on board Mrs. Geider and Dr. Borish to teach Integrated Science II.”
After the first year, the class list included Integrated Spanish, Integrated Science II, Issues in Social Justice, and then English.
Dr. Quinn began to reflect on how the program could improve and decided, “This year, we kind of swap that (English) out for engineering, which is much more appropriate fit, because it kind of lends to the central project, which all involved around CAD modeling, 3D printing, and then International Relations is a social studies course, because, again, that’s, that is the big focus is, how do we work when there’s crossing international boundaries involved.”
The selection of these courses came from Michael Richert. Michael Richert did a study on teenage boys in the attempt to find out the ways boys learn best. His findings showed that the three key essentials to learning are relationships, engaging, and transitivity.
Dr. Quinn began contemplating on how to ensure the SPP hit on all three solutions. As a result, “We kind of flip that on its head by saying, Well, we’re going to build a transitivity first and then enroll students into the program that way, by default, every student in the STEM partnership has this really wonderful experience of connections across all the courses,” Dr. Quinn said.
The students involved can realize the true meaning of coming together to learn while understanding perspectives that may differ from their own. They get to connect all the “puzzle pieces” and figure out how to solve real-life issues, unlike in school, without depending on an adult for guidance.
In this program, the students take responsibility for their own meetings and ideas, collaborating with partners to find mutual benefits while respecting each other’s priorities and constraints. The focus is not just on the final outcome, but on the journey — building relationships and developing valuable skills along the way.
Leading up to the excursion to Costa Rica, students were encouraged to take charge in creating bonds or relationships with the Monteverde Friends School.
Dr. Quinn explained, “Throughout the fall, our students and Monteverde friend school students were meeting virtually every Friday. They were starting to build a report. But as you can imagine, the type of relationship I can get from talking once a week on Google meet, versus hanging out playing soccer together, or going on a hike together or having dinner together, is very, very different.
Last year on the trip to Costa Rica, the students ran workshops for the students at the Monteverde Friends School, and got them 3d printers and set up with them so that they could be like another place in Costa Rica where that skill can really flourish and people can develop the skill for but then also be able to pay it forward to the community.
“We returned to those students we taught originally this year, to become leaders and partner with them to teach others STEM, “Mr. Buscaglia explained.
The group worked at the El Instituto to teach a public class that included 3d modeling and 3d printing. Each year the Stem Partnership Program, wishes to continue the mission of teaching the younger generation how to be leaders in their community inside and outside of STEM.
Coby Booker, current 10th grader and member of the Stem Partnership Program explained how the curriculum allowed him to more easily make connections with the students and people in Monteverde.
“One of the main things that came from engineering was working with partners from other organizations and learning how to manage relations with them. That felt like it was pretty important, but in Spanish class as well, we learned how to communicate much better, elaborate, and explain what we were thinking better in Spanish, which was very helpful for when we were on our trip.”
Beside teaching classes and creating spaces for STEM learning, students, moderators and families of Monteverde got to experience the beautiful lifestyle and views of Costa Rica.
Dr. Quinn explained some of the breathtaking experiences they encountered.
“It’s called El Tigre is a little like a nature preserve, where they have like, five or six mile hike through specialized, beautiful waterfalls. We get to do that with our students, Monteverde students, who’s great bonding experience, get to ride horses back up the mountain when we’re done, like in the rain.”
Along with visiting the breathtaking ecosystem of Monteverde, they shared meals with the families in the town. They were able to experience first hand the culture and the atmosphere of the town. The group from the SPP became more knowledgeable on the Day of the Dead, as the town of Monteverde was celebrating while they were there. If that wasn’t enough they even met the mayor and held talks about how to expand the outreach of Malvern’s SPP goals.
Coby Booker explained how he felt on the hikes through the lustrous jungle.
“One of my favorite parts was the hikes, which gave me a moment to myself, just stuck in my thoughts and kinda dreaming in the moment. I was taken aback by the beauty of the world around me, and at that point didn’t take it for granted.”
The Stem Partnership Program offers opportunities that many normal curriculums would not.
“The program is nowhere near perfect, but it is way better than the team could have originally imagined. We are excited to continue to grow its impact in the community. ” Dr. Quinn states.
Dr. Quinn and Mr. Buscaglia shared the same vision of learning from mistakes, taking feedback from others, and overcoming obstacles with a strategized course of action. The Stem Partnership Program offers a sense of community as you’re all a part of a team.
As Señor Buscaglia said, “… in working together we see a larger picture.”
When you come together, you will begin to see a greater purpose beyond the final destination. This “larger picture” is not just the outcome but the friendships and skills you grow along the way.
