South Phoenix STEM Program

“Every Great Dream begins with a Dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the Strength,
the Patience and the Passion to reach for the Stars to Change the World!”
Harriet Tubman
On July 2020, Faith Missionary Neighborhood Association celebrated 10 years of providing STEM
education and service to disadvantaged youth within the South Phoenix community. They also
achieved their dream of starting the First Lego League Robotics Training and Education Program.
Youth participating in the program completed 6 months of virtual and 6 weeks of in-person training
building an EV3 Robot, coding and programming and practiced presentation skills in preparation for
the Scottsdale Qualifying Tournament which was held virtually on Saturday, February 20, 2021
between 10am-3pm.
Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, this year’s training was truly a Labor of Love and a Collaborative
effort that required Strength, Patience and Passion for the youth and their families and the various
partner organizations involved to complete. Many Thanks goes out to the City of Phoenix
Neighborhood Block Watch Grant Program, Intel Education Empowers, Black Family and Child
Services, Roosevelt School District and Safe Schools Teen Court Network, for partnering with Faith
Missionary Neighborhood Association and Education Director Tracy Hudson to make this year’s
training impactful and empowering for the youth.
Education Director Tracy Hudson would also like to send a Special Thanks to the Tech Ninja Team
Leaders: Faith and Moises, small group team participants: Elijah, Uriel, Armanei, Armani, Tommeyah
and Zenae, their parents, Dr Quintin Boyce, Superintendent of the Roosevelt School District, Evelyn
Garcia, Principal of John R. Davis Elementary School, Dr. Ogundipe and Ms Saccabin teachers for
their support. Faith and Moises are only in the 7 th grade but they spent hours outside of their regular
school day in collaboration with their other team members and this program to design the team logo,
create written and oral presentations for the tournament and ensure the EV3 Robot was programmed
correctly.  Faith and Moises were true leaders, trustworthy and responsible and served as excellent
mentors for their peers. Education Director Tracy Hudson said, “Peer Leadership is only possible
with the help of supportive parents and school staff…they are helping us inspire the youth to look at
education and their life differently, make a positive impact in their community and become “Vessels
of Possibilities.”
For more information on Faith Missionary Neighborhood Association STEM Tech Ninja Team or to
participate in the summer STEM Lego League Training and Education Program please contact
Education Director Tracy Hudson at 602-448-1359 or visit the website.