During her tenure with the Raleigh Girls Club, Naomi Strawhorn has done a phenomenal job influencing growth and participation in Boys & Girls Clubs key Academic Success programs. The number of children served in the Power Hour program at the Raleigh Girls Club has risen by more than 30% since Naomi became our Education Director.
Naomi has been the lead staff person in implementing the Collaborative STEM Imitative (CSI) Program at the Raleigh Girls Club. In partnership with North Carolina State University and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Naomi coordinates and leads weekly STEM activities for girls in elementary and middle school. She is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the program, from curriculum delivery to overseeing the NCSU work study interns, administering evaluative tests and creating an incentive structure to ensure that youth are participating on a weekly basis. Due to Naomi’s efforts, the program has had outstanding results during its pilot year. The program engaged dozens of youth in hands-on STEM activities, increased their understanding and interest in STEM fields and provided unique opportunities for our members to interact with college students, scientists, and community volunteers from varying educational and ethnic backgrounds.
Naomi has had a tremendous impact on our overall Club culture, helping train and mentor new part time staff. She is looked to as a leader by her peers on staff and is an invaluable resource in nearly every area of the Club.
Congrtulations, Naomi Strawhorn, 2014 Boys & Girls Clubs staff of the year!
