Some Stout Middle School students are meeting with some out of this world experiences through a new after-school program.
Stout, in partnership with ACCESS, has brought a special NASA Club to the school. Stout was one of only 10 middle schools in Michigan selected to participate in the national program, which is intended to encourage interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) topics.
“We wanted to bring more NASA and STEM activities to Stout,” said Leon Vietinghoff, a Stout physical education teacher and liaison with ACCESS and the NASA Club. About 15 to 20 students participate in the after school program.
ACCESS runs a larger 21st Century Schools Grant at Stout and six other schools in the district. At Stout, the program provides free meals after school four days a week, math and English tutoring, a Biomedical Club, and more. The group also brings in outside groups such as local colleges to talk to students after school, said Mahmoud Ali, ACCESS site leader at Stout.
For the NASA Club, students were able to talk to a NASA electrical engineer about her job. They are also trying their skills at different hands-on activities, including building cardboard cranes to lift a cup of marbles.
“I really like it because it is really fun. It lets me use my artistic skills,” said student Serene Nasser as her group worked on their crane.
Asked about the NASA Club, student Layaan Alsandaqchi said, “It’s amazing, and I really like it.”
The program has her thinking about different careers ranging from astronaut to builder.
ACCESS started running after school programs in the district in the fall of 2023. In the fall of 2024, the organization received the 21st Century Schools Grant from the U.S. Department of Education, which pays for the current afterschool program, Mr. Ali said.
“With Stout, we are focusing more on STEM,” he added.
Mr. Vietinghoff credited Stout Principal Hebat Abdelbaki for always pushing for more opportunities for students and for working to bring the NASA program to the school.
“It ties into the school mission of promoting science, technology engineering and math,” Vietinghoff said.
Whatever paths students ultimately pursue, he noted that the NASA Club and similar experiences will help them for years to come.
“All of these things that promote science, technology, engineering, and math also promote teamwork, collaboration, and other skills we know are important not just for school, but even into adulthood,” he said.