Kids are the future. Empower them.
We prepare students to thrive and lead in the tech workforce.
Circuit EPA provides youth living in underserved communities the skills to pursue careers in technology, esports, gaming, and media.
About Circuit EPA
Mission
To connect young learners to ground-breaking technology that inspires them to be the next generation of big thinkers and explorers; giving all young people access to opportunities in STEAM.
Vision
The Circuit EPA’s technology and innovation hub serves as a launchpad for the next generation of innovators. We want every student to connect with technology in a way that captivates their imagination, inspiring them to dream big and support them in creating pathways to careers in Silicon Valley.
Who We Are
The Circuit EPA is an East Palo Alto-based technology education and youth development nonprofit organization launched in 2021 to address inequities in access to high-quality STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) opportunities during and after school. With equity at our core, we serve youth from a community historically underrepresented in STEAM fields and we actively recruit students who are curious and interested in technology, but face systemic challenges to accessing high-quality programs. Our programs deeply engage students in authentic STEAM experiences, alongside mentors and STEAM professionals who serve as role models. Through these programs and relationships, our youth also develop critical social and emotional skills, including self-confidence, collaboration, communication and leadership.
Programs
Based at Cesar Chavez Ravenswood Middle School (CCRMS), we focus on enriching students from 6th to 8th grade with a rich STEAM curriculum. Our programs focus on technical skills and aim to cultivate critical social and emotional strengths like confidence, teamwork, career readiness, and leadership abilities.
Immersive Learning Project
The Circuit EPA's VR program revolutionizes the educational experience, offering an immersive journey that transforms learning for students at CCRMS. We're on a mission to become a pivotal educational resource where teachers can book on-site field trips, utilizing our state-of-the-art VR technology. Our initiative, the Immersive Learning Project, is designed to seamlessly integrate Virtual Reality into the curriculum, enhancing classroom instruction and learning with vivid, lifelike experiences. Launching in early April 2024, this program will empower educators to create tailored virtual field trips that align with their lesson plans. Whether it's exploring ancient Rome, diving deep into marine biology, or stepping inside the virtual halls of the Louvre, our VR experiences are crafted to match classroom learning, bringing subjects to life in a way that textbooks alone cannot. This program was developed in close collaboration with a select group of CCRMS teachers deeply involved in the design and application of the VR lab.
By offering training, equipment, and support, The Circuit EPA simplifies the integration of VR technology, making immersive learning accessible to students in under-resourced schools. Our vision is to spark curiosity, enhance engagement, and elevate the educational experience by transporting students to incredible virtual worlds, directly from their classroom. This innovative approach enriches learning and also opens up new horizons for our students, inspiring them to explore, discover, and dream beyond their immediate environment.
Club Circuit
Aimed at closing both the access, opportunity and achievement gaps prevalent in the STEAM sector, Club Circuit is an after-school technology club aimed at building a bridge towards an inclusive future. It’s where underrepresented middle school students are introduced to technology and actively mentored and inspired.
Club Circuit currently operates during after-school hours Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Esports
The field of esports is exploding in popularity and millions of youth are participating. Circuit EPA’s Esports program will harness middle school students’ passion for video games through organized competitions in a safe and secure format. Students will discover how the excitement of gaming intersects with the educational aspects of computer programming. Esports is about more than just playing games–it can be used to help students grow their STEAM interests and develop valuable life skills.
STEAM Skill Building & Mentorship
Circuit EPA works to close the opportunity and achievement gap for youth traditionally underrepresented in STEAM through exciting, hands-on learning and career mentorship. We harness the energy of Silicon Valley’s thriving STEAM sector to connect public school middle schoolers with meaningful, skill-rich experiences that inspire them to pursue STEAM careers.
Student & Family Support Program
The Circuit EPA’s Student & Family Support Program focuses on nurturing the holistic well-being of our young learners, extending beyond our STEAM objectives. By offering essential resources through The Giving Center and building bridges with Community Partnerships, we provide immediate relief and long-term stability. We address the crucial needs of our students—ranging from clothing to access to healthy snacks—ensuring they have the foundational stability to engage deeply with our educational programs. By alleviating pressing concerns, we make it possible for learners to explore the wonders of STEAM without the burden of unmet basic needs, enriching their learning experience and fostering transformative change in their lives.
A pivotal partnership with My New Red Shoes, which is providing capacity support, amplifies our reach and impact for children and families. Our combined efforts ensure that every student has the resources and confidence to explore STEAM and rise to their potential with their basic needs addressed.
8 to 80 Zone
The 8 to 80 Zone is a collaboration between San Francisco 49ers Alumni Steve Young (#8) and Jerry Rice (#80). Currently located on the CCRMS campus, this STEAM+ education center is the home to our programs and not only allows for artistic expression but also affords students the opportunity to gain training on industry-standard equipment and software.
Community Partners
Ravenswood Community 8 to 80 Zone Innovation Center
In partnership with the Ravenswood City School District, Circuit EPA is working on plans to build a new 8 to 80 zone for the East Menlo Park and East Palo Alto communities.
The 8 to 80 Zones are a collaboration between Steve Young (#8) and Jerry Rice (#80), which provide youth living in under-resourced communities the skills to pursue careers in technology, esports, gaming, and media. 8 to 80 Zones not only allow for artistic expression but also afford students the opportunity to gain training on industry leading equipment and software in the areas of television, radio, voice recording, graphic design, and game development.
For more information on the 8 to 80 Zone project, please contact:
Michele Sharkey
Michele@thecircuitepa.org
Donate
The Circuit EPA is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization, EIN#: 87-3741761.
or mail a check to:
The Circuit EPA
2120 Euclid Ave.
East Palo Alto, CA 94303
Make checks payable to “The Circuit EPA”
To make a wire transfer or stock donation, please contact:
Michele Sharkey
Michele@thecircuitepa.org