Empowering Elementary & Middle School Students with Real-World Skills for Bright Futures.
Together Friends Organization, founded in 1984, is committed to bridging proficiency gaps and empowering underserved elementary and middle school students through STEAM/e education, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in tomorrow’s career opportunities.
Our Mission
We are passionate about providing motivational and educational support that will help our elementary and middle school students discover exciting career opportunities.
Our Vision
Together Friends provides support for our students from their initial acceptance into the organization all the way through early entrance into their chosen career.
Our Values
Our unique and comprehensive support rewards failing forward and fun STEAM/e activities which empowers our students in overcoming social and emotional barriers.
WHAT EXACTLY IS STEAM/e?
STEAM/e
EVOLVING FROM THE ORIGINAL FOCUS ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ART, AND MATHEMATICS (STEAM). WE ADDED ENTREPRENEURSHIP "/e" TO THE MIX BECAUSE WE RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF NOT ONLY TEACHING CHILDREN THE TECHNICAL SKILLS WITHIN THE PROGRAM BUT ALSO EQUIPPING THEM WITH THE SOFT SKILLS ESSENTIAL FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP.
Advantages of STEAM/e in Our Elementary & Middle School Programs
High-Dosage Learning: Engaging, hands-on projects enhance understanding and retention of complex concepts, making learning enjoyable.
Early Skill Building: STEAM/e programs introduce essential science, technology, engineering, arts, math, and entrepreneurial skills, setting a strong foundation for future success.
Fosters Creativity: Integrating the arts encourages innovative thinking and problem-solving, vital for discovering new solutions.
Boosts Collaboration: Group activities promote teamwork, communication, and collaboration, essential skills for academic and real-world success.
Prepares for the Future: STEAM/e equips students with critical thinking and adaptability, preparing them for future challenges in a technology-driven world.
A report done from the After School Alliance found that jobs requiring STEM skills continue to grow, but too many students lack opportunities to learn and develop these skills. Computing and mathematical jobs are expected to grow by 14% between 2018 and 2028, outpacing all other STEM careers. By 2025 more than 2 million STEM jobs will go unfilled due to a lack of skilled candidates.
The After School Alliance also reports 65% of parents with children in online or hybrid school don’t believe the STEM offerings their child received during the pandemic meet their standards of quality, engaging activities. After-school/in-school STEM engages students in hands-on, real-world projects that offer innovative ways to practice STEM skills in an informal space. This makes STEM more accessible, more interesting, and helps build fluency, much like immersing oneself in a new language.
WORKING TO TRANSFORM THE STATISTICS
In Georgia, our current third graders have faced significant challenges due to the impact of COVID-19 in 2020. During these crucial developmental years, they spent nearly two years primarily indoors and engaged with screens, which severely affected their access to education.
As a result, over 70% of our third graders are not proficient in math or reading at their grade level, with this issue being particularly pronounced in underserved and underperforming communities that lacked adequate resources. This is why we are committed to working tirelessly to improve the educational outcomes for these early learners. Our goal is to equip them with the necessary tools and resources to achieve success in their future lives. Research done by the Regional Educational Laboratory, indicates that students who are not reading proficiently by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of school.
Our Mark
Together Friends Organization, a nonprofit founded in 1984, has a long-standing commitment to partnering with schools to close proficiency gaps and unlock exciting career opportunities for underserved youth. Our forward-focused approach emphasizes the importance of STEAM/e—science, technology, engineering, art, math, and entrepreneurship—as essential tools for equipping today’s youth with the skills they need to thrive in the careers of tomorrow. By providing access to these critical educational resources, we empower students who might otherwise miss out on the opportunities they deserve.
Discover more about our reach and specialized programs, including:
– STEAM/e Education
– Career Exploration
– Academic Support
– English and Math Proficiency
– Hands-On Learning Opportunities
– Real-World Skill Development
Join us in empowering the next generation to unlock their full potential and explore exciting career opportunities.
TESTIMONIALS
Seamless School Integration
Bringing STEAM/e programs and support directly into local districts.
Empowering Future Leaders
Equipping students with real-world skills for exciting careers.
Bridging The Proficiency Gap
Addressing academic shortfalls in English and math post-COVID.