Berkeley

49ers Bring Science and High Tech Opportunities to Bay Area Youth

Published

9 years ago

August 28, 2016

Bay Area teachers got a taste of the big leagues on Tuesday at the San Francisco 49ers third annual science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) open house.Hosted at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, more than 300 Bay Area educators were invited to the event, which provided guests a “behind-the-scenes” look into the 49ers educational resources STEM programs, as well as how to sign up for free field trip and transportation opportunities.

“This wonderful stadium and museum gets students excited about STEM,” said State Superintendent Tom Torlakson, who spoke at the Tuesday’ event. “It fosters teamwork, critical thinking, problem solving, working together, and the whole new curriculum emphasis on the scientific method and critical thinking.”

During the school year, the program brings thousands of students to the stadium for educational field trips, and it takes an unconventional learning approach by teaching kids through something many of them are already familiar with: football.

Students may learn physics by studying how lift and drag allow a football to be thrown, or how geometry comes into play when a kicker plants their foot.

They are taught averages by comparing times in a 40-meter dash, or they may have an art lesson through the lens of sports photography.

On Tuesday evening, teachers were taken around Levi’s Stadium to see the 49ers museum and experience these lessons hands-on.

They took part in interactive learning activities like those available in the Denise Debartolo York Education Center, where students play learning games focusing on subjects like sustainability and problem solving while getting exposure to high-tech tablets and computerized desks.

Educators were even taken down to the field for a crash course in the Movement Lab, a part of the program that gets kids on their feet while they learn.

Torlakson, who oversees approximately 6.3 students in the state, stressed in his opening remarks the need to increase representation of girls and students from low-income communities in STEM fields and careers.

“Right now only 15 percent of those with engineering degrees are women, and only 40 percent of those working in life sciences are women,” he said. “This kind of exemplary program is one that will make a huge difference.”

As part of a $4 million investment in STEM education shared by the 49ers and Chevron, the program hosted more than 20,000 Bay Area K-8 students on free field trips to the stadium throughout its first year alone.

In only three years, that number has gradually increased to 60,000 students, and 49ers CEO Jed York said he hopes the program continues to grow and improve with educator feedback.

Judging by the amount of hands raised when asked who plans to return with their students during the school year, it seems York and the rest of the team will have a lot to cheer about this fall.

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Progressive Missionary Baptist Church of Berkeley Celebrates 90th Anniversary

Dr. Earl C. Stuckey, Sr., who has served as Progressive Missionary’s pastor since September 1977, said the church also delights in the fact that it has hosted only five pastors in its 90-year history, including Pastors James E. Moore, H. A. Green, F. Douglas Farrell, and Edward Stovall, who served for 37 years.

Published

1 week ago

May 16, 2025

Oakland Post

Progressive Missionary Baptist Poster. Dr. Earl C. Stuckey, Sr., Pastor of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in Berkeley with his wife, Kay Frances Stuckey.

By Oakland Post Staff

The Progressive Missionary Baptist Church of Berkeley is celebrating its 90th church anniversary on Sunday, May 18 at 10 a.m. at 3301 King Street in Berkeley.

The celebration will feature Pastor Darnell Manuel of the Union Baptist Church in Vallejo as guest speaker, along with many other special presentations.

Those who wish to share in Progressive’s history can purchase a 100-page full-colored souvenir book for $25.

The church boasts a number of notable people who either regularly attended or became members of the church since its inception, including former Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, Oakland mayoral candidate Loren Taylor, and one of the organizers of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Helen J. H. Stephens.

Pastor Stuckey often remarks how longevity flourishes at the church — it boasts 13 centenarians (people who have reached 100 years or more). Currently, it has one centenarian who is still surviving, Mrs. Dorothy Chambers, and 14 members who have reached 90 years or more.

Recently, on Feb.17, the pastor and his wife Kay Frances, celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary.

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Activism

Faces Around the Bay: Author Karen Lewis Took the ‘Detour to Straight Street’

“My life has been a roller-coaster with an unlimited ride wristband! I was raised in Berkeley during the time of Ron Dellums, the Black Panthers, and People’s Park. I was a Hippie kid, my Auntie cut off all our hair so we could wear the natural styles like her and Angela Davis.

Published

4 weeks ago

April 28, 2025

Oakland Post

Karen Lewis. Courtesy photo.

By Barbara Fluhrer

I met Karen Lewis on a park bench in Berkeley. She wrote her story on the spot.

I got married young, then ended up getting divorced, raising two boys into men. After my divorce, I had a stroke that left me blind and paralyzed. I was homeless, lost in a fog with blurred vision.

Jesus healed me! I now have two beautiful grandkids. At 61, this age and this stage, I am finally free indeed. Our Lord Jesus Christ saved my soul. I now know how to be still. I lay at his feet. I surrender and just rest. My life and every step on my path have already been ordered. So, I have learned in this life…it’s nice to be nice. No stressing, just blessings. Pray for the best and deal with the rest.

Nobody is perfect, so forgive quickly and love easily!”

Lewis’ book “Detour to Straight Street” is available on Amazon.

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Activism

Golden State Warriors Program Is Inspiring Next Generation of Female Engineers

Breaking down barriers and biases that deter young girls from pursuing STEAM subjects is essential for creating a level playing field and ensuring equal opportunities for all. By challenging stereotypes and promoting a culture of inclusivity and diversity in STEAM fields, experts believe young girls can be empowered to pursue their interests and aspirations without limitations confidently. Encouraging mentorship, providing access to resources, and celebrating girls’ achievements in STEAM are all crucial steps in creating a supportive environment that fosters success.

Published

2 months ago

March 23, 2025

Oakland Post

Front Row: UC Berkeley Steel Bridge Team Back Row: Girls, Inc. Participants. Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

By Y’Anad Burrell

The Golden State Warriors and e-commerce giant Rakuten are joining forces to inspire the next generation of female engineers through Building STEAM Futures, part of The City Calls campaign.

Organizers say the initiative is founded on the idea that science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) are crucial fields for innovation and progress, and empowering young girls to pursue careers in these areas is more important than ever. Studies consistently show that girls are underrepresented in STEAM fields, resulting in a gender disparity that limits potential and hinders diversity.

On Saturday, March 8, International Women’s Day, the Warriors and Rakuten hosted 20 middle school girls from Girls Inc. of Alameda County at Chase Center’s Above the Rim for a hands-on bridge-building experience. The young girls from Girls, Inc. of Alameda County had an opportunity to design, build and test their own bridge prototypes and learn the fundamentals of bridge construction from the Engineering Alliance and the UC Berkeley Steel Bridge Team.

This STEAM experience for the girls followed the first session in January, where they took a behind-the-scenes tour of the Golden Gate Bridge, learning about its design and construction from industry experts. The City Calls campaign, tipped off with the unveiling the Warriors’ new bridge-themed City Edition jerseys and court design earlier this year.