Welcome Laura Lim, our summer STEM intern!

Hi, my name is Laura Lim and I’m thrilled to be joining the Afterschool Alliance as an intern on the STEM Team! Through this role, I’ll be reading and researching about OST STEM and civics education, specifically looking into where they may differ from, align with, and enhance each other. I hope that my contributions to the Alliance help better develop and synthesize some knowledge of how OST programs can better cultivate young people’s learning and development when STEM and civics work in tandem. 

I’m currently a rising senior at UC Berkeley majoring in Political Economy with an emphasis in socioeconomics, with plans on applying to law school after a gap year or two. I’m extremely passionate about education and carry the belief that it starts with equitable access, which has led me to work with Cal’s DCAC/EAOP program for the past two years and as a mentor for other first generation college students on campus.

My connection to afterschool programs stems from being able to participate in OST programming through school and district funding, and through other activities like martial arts. Now, I help run a program that teaches underserved youth about civic engagement and grassroots organizing to develop their civics skills. This work has been fulfilling personally, allowing me to give back to my community.

As such, I cannot wait to meaningfully contribute to the Afterschool Alliance with my research to ensure accessible, high-quality afterschool programs for all alongside this team.