Maya Jewell of Milton seeks donations to attend STEM forum

This summer, 9-year-old Maya Jewell from Milton will join outstanding elementary school students from across the state to take part in a unique academic development experience, the National Youth Leadership Forum Pathways to STEM forum in Washington, D.C.

Due to her hard work and eagerness to learn, Maya was nominated to attend the forum by her third-grade teacher, Danielle Squillante, at Southern Delaware School of the Arts in Selbyville. In addition to her interest in dance and visual arts, Maya loves science. She is looking forward to the hands-on experiences that the forum provides in subjects like robotics and forensics.

NYLF Pathways to STEM is one of the Envision family of programs that enables students to explore their interests and experience learning beyond the classroom.

The program cost is $2,295. Maya is hoping for the support of the Sussex County community in raising enough money to attend. Donations may be mailed to Maya Jewell, P.O. Box 4, Lincoln, DE 19960. A car wash fundraiser will be announced soon.

Amanda Freitag Thomas, an alumna and senior vice president for Envision, said, “Hands down, my favorite part of attending an Envision program was being with motivated students in an environment designed to help us challenge our assumptions, meet new people and grow. At NYLF Pathways to STEM, students build the confidence and skills needed to excel in the classroom while gaining exposure to STEM fields and concepts. They learn how to adapt to and communicate in new situations and new challenges, and with new people, which are essential skills for success.”