The founders of Balance Innovation Center have spent our careers flying solo with few role models and experiencing the challenges associated with being either a female or minority in STEM. Because of this, we want to provide mentors and support to those that come after us Our goals are to create environments and tools that are needed for success without the biases that are endemic in both academic and industry environments.
LEG UP
Providing the tools for the next generation of STEM professionals.
K-12
Balance Innovation Center and Leg Up will partner with local schools to bring STEM programs, resources and activities through various platforms. BIC and Leg up will make STEM fun and attainable.
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Balance Innovation Center and Leg UP provides opportunities and programs for college and university students to allow them to be successful in the pursuit of STEM careers.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Balance Innovation Center and Leg UP strives to be an integral part of the community. In doing so, they provide opportunities for non-students to learn more about STEM and just have fun in STEM related areas. The goal is to provide a community that supports the students seeking STEM careers and also educate the community in STEM areas in a digestible form.
WHY LEG UP
Leg Up and Balance Innovation Center (BIC) are integral parts of each other. The founders of BIC/Leg Up have been in STEM fields for over 20 years each. Throughout their education and career, they have experienced the challenges of being a woman or a minority. They understand how important it is to have the early support and role models to provide encouragement and support during every stage, from when one first becomes interested in STEM through their careers. Their goal is to create environments that lead to an increase in STEM academic retention and retention in STEM careers for women and minorities.
Leg Up is focusing on students, their families and their community. Leg Up wants to make it so that kids that love STEM do so with confidence. We create programs that allow families, peers and the community to learn about STEM careers as a exciting, attainable potential. And first and foremost, Leg Up wants to provide the resources and support to students that are needed to make them successful, whether it is in K-12 or in college.
The founders of BIC and Leg Up are here because they have been allowed to stand on the shoulders of those before them. Those shoulders have given them the confidence and tools to overcome the challenges they have faced. Those shoulders have given them the inspiration to want to give their shoulders to others to stand on. They will give those who come to Leg Up a leg up onto those shoulders.
LEG UP PROGRAMS
Leg Up offers a range of programs for all ages.
K-12
- Career Awareness Programs through SpeakersÂ
- Bring a kid to work daysÂ
- Field Trips to the Innovation Center with presentations and toursÂ
- Fun Talks (STEM related speakers for different ages)
- Challenges and competitions
- STEM Camp
- Tutoring
Colleges and Universities
Family and Community
- STEM Festivals
- Hackathons
- Speaker Series
- Career Information