Jewels Academy

Our mission is to provide young women the competitive edge needed to succeed academically and vocationally in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, leadership, financial stewardship, and the arts within an encouraging and nurturing environment. Our vision is to become an internationally renowned STEM enrichment organization that helps develop young women in STEM for the next stage in their academic career that produces innovative and conscientious leaders. Jewels Academy was founded by Dr. Kimberly Wayne and was incorporated in the State of Iowa in 2005. Since 2012, Jewels Academy has been a central Iowa leader in addressing disparities in STEM learning, boosting more women into post-secondary training or education in STEM fields. In 2022, Jewels Academy served 121 students - a 15% increase from 2021. Seventy-nine percent of our participants were females of color.

Our programming increases student interest in STEM-related career pathways starting in the 4th grade. We capture their STEM interest peak and build their skills and confidence to obtain a viable successful STEM careers and a foundation for long-term success. We drive STEM learning through four core programs: 1. Young Emerging Scientists (4th-9th grade): This is an interactive, long-term, STEM enrichment program that helps girls learn by doing. The program is designed to completed a project that links to a STEM career. 2. Annual Math Program (4th-12th grade): Covers various levels of mathematics-from fractions to AP Calculus to improve students' confidence and skills in foundational math concepts. 3. Peer Mentors-Youth Assistant Instructor (10th-12th): Engages students in STEM workshops as assistants to instructors. They learn to serve as mentors to younger students, gain basic project management, project management, leadership, problem-solving, and public speaking skills. They also earn a stipend while supporting an instructor. 4. Emerald Innovation College Prep (9th-12th grade): A college prep program that creates STEM higher learning opportunities for students.