Caribbean STEM Coaching Club

In 2015, Future Think joined forces with The Caribbean Diaspora for Science, Technology & Innovation (UK) and The British Foundation of the University of the West Indies to help families of Caribbean heritage to develop high-value skills and capabilities in demand in a fast and constantly changing economy.

We build and nurture a “People Helping People” problem-solving and signposting community.

Since research shows clearly that parents play a crucial role in children’s academic achievement and career choices, we work extensively with and through parents.

We seek to rely on the highest quality, up-to-date data out there and draw on the expertise and experience of STEM specialist teachers, a psychotherapist, a parenting educator, Caribbean parents of high achievers, and a range of high-achieving STEM professionals. At the same time, we believe that we are all on a learning journey together. Everyone has valuable insights and expertise to share, and we encourage all parents and students in the Club to connect, share, and learn from one another.

Penny Carballo-Smith talks about Future Think’s workshops for parents in the Caribbean STEM Coaching Club.

Feedback from Previous Years’ Parents

“Excellent – amazing opportunity for our children to be taught by high quality teachers. Parenting classes were invaluable – I highly recommend it”

“Excellent. The most outstanding part of the Club for me is that you get to meet other parents going through similar challenges and to feel that we are working through challenges as a group and supporting our children together. I am blown away by the fact that there are people in the community who give up their time for free to support our children. It is fantastic. People need to know that there is support out there in the community and we don’t need to struggle on our own. “

“Thanks so much for all your efforts, research and giving of time for the STEM Club. As usual, it was fantastic on Saturday. We could have gone on for ages! It’s wonderful learning from other parents and also realising you’re ‘not the only one’. I am inspired, more relaxed and more hopeful ““I value the way the programme focuses on jobs and skills of the future, and opens eyes to new and varied possibilities emerging out there, especially in STEM.”

“The discussions opened our eyes to new and different realities and perspectives that are absolutely relevant nowadays. It was also good to be learning in the parenting discussion groups at the same time that my son was learning in the master class. It is great modelling and reinforces the fact that we are all on a learning journey and we all need to be lifelong learners.“

“I also value the way the programme allows kids to be in an environment with other kids who look just like them, all trying hard to succeed. “

“The teacher gave her work that stretched her so this made her feel very capable and she was ahead of the game when they started to do these same concepts in class later on. So all of this boosted her confidence. “

“[ ] has become more confident and focused, definitely more comfortable with Maths. He seems to understand now that it is just a matter of practice and hard work . He came away from the Club with the message that he can achieve as much as he wants to achieve, once he is willing to do what it takes to achieve. “

“..the fact that he was able to help the other children in the master class made him feel more confident. The teacher was also covering topics he was learning in school so he was able to ask relevant questions. He would normally play football on a Saturday morning but he was happy to come to the master classes – he enjoyed them. “

“[ ] is more serious about his work now and will revise unprompted. He will attempt all Maths questions now whereas before , he would be quick to say say “I can’t”.

For further information on the Caribbean STEM Coaching Club, please see here

“People Helping People” Problem Solving and Signposting Discussions for 11-16 Year Olds and Their Parents

Date and Time	Topic
Parents and Students	Skills and Capabilities in Demand in an Ever-Changing World
Parents and Students	Meeting Emotional Needs
Parents and Students	Protecting Mental Well-Being
Parents and Students	Mastering Organisation and STEM Study Skills
Parenst and Students	Learning how to Learn in an Ever-Changing World
Parents and Students	Maximising the Benefits of our Dual Caribbean/UK Heritage
Parents and Students	Universities, Apprenticeships, Studying Abroad: What’s the Real Deal?