By: Sara Meng
For many years, Mills High School’s STEM Club has offered a safe and positive environment for students to explore the worlds of science, technology, engineering, and medicine. As one of the school’s longest-running clubs, it has continuously evolved to meet the needs of its members and commit to hands-on learning to spread knowledge. Currently, the club is led by co-presidents Alauki Parikh (12) and Jeckie Ng (12), who have been in these roles for the past three years. Outside of that, each section: science, technology, engineering, and medicine has a lead responsible for coordinating lessons and activities that immerse members in their respective fields.
This year, the club’s mission has been made as clear as ever: to engage students in STEM while creating an environment where everyone can learn, experiment, and have fun. Meetings are constantly designed to be interactive and educational, featuring activities that bring many STEM concepts to life. There are lots of signature experiments such as writing messages using invisible ink, the annual egg drop challenge where students engineer devices to protect a falling egg, and the process of extracting DNA from strawberries. These experiments are what makes STEM so exciting, while advancing g critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
Ng explains, “Our mission is to help Mills students gather more STEM knowledge while having fun.”
Parikh adds, “We want to inspire them and introduce them to opportunities like internships and summer programs, which can help them further their interest in STEM fields.”
They are both passionate advocates for inclusivity and engagement, ensuring that every student feels welcome to participate regardless of their prior experience with STEM.
“My biggest hope is that STEM Club stays running and keeps improving in the future,” Ng shared. “We want to make sure that everyone has fun at STEM Club while also taking away something meaningful, whether that’s a new skill, or simply a sense of community.”
The STEM Club is a great example of Mills High School’s dedication to fostering curiosity among its students. Its engaging activities, educational programs, and community events make it a unique resource for anyone interested in any of the STEM-related fields. With its rich history and a bright future ahead, this school club remains a vital part of the campus, bringing knowledge, creativity, and excitement to every student who chooses to get involved. If you are interested, the STEM club holds meetings every Monday lunch in room 218, feel free to join anytime!