[Ohio-Talk] STEM2U

[Richard Payne]

The message is from Emly, and it is my belief that she worked hard to get
this done the reality is several programs across the state are in
competition with each other.

We will review and find ways to offer services in the state several of you
have reached out and hopefully some of those thoughts can provide a
different approach.

You can feel free to contact me off list, but this information is being
provided to keep you informed.

Hey guys,
I have some unfortunate news. Had a long discussion this morning with my
manager, co-cordinator, and our program services manager about STEM2U. Based
on the current sign up numbers and the deadlines to order the materials, we
won't be able to have STEM2U in Ohio this year. We only have one kid
registered after months of emailing, handing out flyers, and calling. My
team members at work have put in hours outside of their job to help with
marketing and planning, but we decided that the costs are far outweighing
the benefits currently. My affiliate has also supported the program as much
as possible, and I have plenty of volunteers from my NFB chapter lined up.
It's not because of a lack of effort or energy on anybody's part, we just
haven't had any response for participation.
There are several things that we talked about to do differently if we were
to try again next year in Cincinnati. We would need to put a date on the
calendar more than 6 months in advance to give ample time to talk it up. I
think STEM2U could have been more successful if we combined it with another
program this year. The pool of blind kids is relatively small, and they
signed up for the bigger camp that the association for the blind is hosting.
Transportation, of course, was the other issue. The parents that I talked to
were unable or unwilling to transport the kids. The parent's meetup was
meant to be an incentive for parents to come as well, but since our location
is limited to weekdays, the timing conflifted with work hours. Getting
parents on board is like pulling teeth. It's crazy.
To be honest, I feel defeated and I'm very disappointed that Ohio won't have
STEM2U this year. I really appreciate your wonderful help and support. I
went into this knowing that it would be an uphill battle, but I think all
the work and time this year will help the program in the future. 


Best,
Emily

-- 
Emily Kiehl
813-394-2720

National Federation of the Blind of Ohio


Richard Payne, President National Federation of the Blind of Ohio

937/829/3368
Rchpay7 at gmail.com <mailto:Rchpay7 at gmail.com> 

www.nfbohio.org <http://www.nfbohio.org> 

The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and
all blind people in the United States. We know that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. Our collective power, determination,
and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.


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