Introduction/Rationale: High school students from under-resourced communities face barriers to accessing cutting-edge STEM technologies and experiences, limiting both educational opportunities and potential career pathways. The TechBox Program was developed to bridge this digital divide and improve quality of life through meaningful STEM engagement.
Objectives: This study examined how an immersive 9-session STEM program affected participants' technological literacy, interest in STEM careers, community engagement, and overall well-being.
Methods/Approach: The TechBox Program provided hands-on experiences at nine high-impact locations across Cleveland including university maker spaces, research facilities, and innovation hubs. Sessions spanned diverse STEM fields including digital design, healthcare technology, AI, robotics, virtual reality, coding, and sustainable agriculture. Program effectiveness was measured through pre/post assessments, observation, and participant feedback. Incentives including gift cards and tablets were provided to maximize participation.
Results/Practice Implications: Participants demonstrated increased technological literacy, expanded awareness of STEM career pathways, and strengthened peer relationships. The three-phase program structure created a sustainable learning pathway extending beyond direct intervention, with participants becoming Digital Ambassadors who positively impacted their broader community through technology education.
Conclusion/Contribution to the occupational therapy profession: The TechBox Program demonstrates how occupation-based STEM interventions can simultaneously address educational, social, and economic determinants of health. By empowering youth with technological competence and leadership skills, occupational therapy practitioners can foster community resilience and promote health equity in under-resourced communities.