Michael Gangitano, Lee Middle School career counselor, Award-winner Cari Lyn Vinci and Lee Middle School Principal Armando Olvera

Woodland School Board of Trustees honored the STE@M™ Mentoring Program with an Award of Excellence. Accepting the award is Cari Lyn Vinci, creator of the program, which is based on Playbook for Teens. Pictured with Vinci is Michael Gangitano, Lee Middle School career counselor (left); and Lee Middle School Principal Armando Olvera.

“What an honor it is to help motivate these smart, talented students to reach for the stars,” said Vinci.

The program goal is to empower teens to become future business owners and leaders in STE@M™ industries. STE@M is STEM + ART.

“The support for students, especially girls, must be established and continued from middle through high school,” Olvera said. “This program will keep the girls engaged in STE@M careers, while building essential success skills. I am making plans to expand the STE@M™ Mentoring program, making it available to younger students and in high school.”

Bringing the program to Lee Middle School was a countywide collaborative effort started by Lori Perez, career director at the Yolo County Office of Education. “After a 25+ year career in education, this program is the icing on the cake,” Gangitano said.

The program is available for schools throughout California via a train-the-trainer model. For more details, contact Vinci at Cari@InVINCIbleEnterprises.com, (916) 220-2830.