Danielle-Elizabeth’s Global STEM Journey
At EIS, we nurture young innovators with the vision and courage to make a global impact. One shining example is 14-year-old Danielle-Elizabeth – known to all as DE – a rising high school freshman whose passion for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) took her on an extraordinary journey to Ghana, Africa.
DE’s connection to EIS runs deep—it’s a 15-year family tradition. Years ago, her older sister Sasha traveled to Ecuador with the help of EIS board members. While there she helped build homes and witnessed firsthand the transformative power of giving back. That experience laid a foundation of trust and purpose that continues through DE.
EIS became a second home. Since second grade, she’s grown through immersive programs like Fire Up, and Botball®, part of our Future Innovators In Robotics and Engineering (FIRE) initiative. From learning to fly drones to coding autonomous robots, DE has embraced every challenge. With the mentorship of dedicated EIS educators, she helped lead regional competitions, currently works on a monthly podcast, and prototyped innovative solutions like 3D-printed shoes, an autonomous car with adaptive features, and a musical vehicle with LED lights.
But her story is more than technical achievement—it’s about heart, vision, and giving back.
Recently, DE returned to Ghana with her family, not just as a visitor, but as a teacher and ambassador for STEM. With the full support of EIS, she brought wind-powered car kits and EIS t-shirts to Hansen Road School in Accra, where over 100 students participated in the workshop. EIS also created a special welcome video to greet the students, connecting continents through shared passion.
Despite limited building supplies—only three pairs of scissors and improvised materials—DE led a four-hour workshop that captivated the students. Their joy and wonder were palpable. Many asked, “When will you come back?” and clung to their EIS t-shirts as cherished treasures. They were astonished to learn they could keep the t-shirts, kits and tools—symbols of a new future.
This trip was just the beginning. DE dreams of returning to Ghana three times a year, reaching thousands of students with hands-on learning in robotics, coding, and engineering. With her sights set on launching coding clubs, expanding to other schools, and creating transcontinental mentorships, DE is building a bridge between American innovation and Ghanaian curiosity.
She plans to form a nonprofit to sustain this mission—one fueled by the same “drive” that EIS helped her cultivate from the start. Travel and materials are costly, but DE’s commitment is unwavering.
DE’s story is a testament to what’s possible when we invest in youth, empower their dreams, and believe in their power to lead. Together, we can change lives. One student. One kit. One dream at a time.
Thank You for Supporting Summer Scholarships
Thanks to our generous community, EIS provided 55 summer camp scholarships to elementary students from Title I schools in southeastern San Diego.
This campaign was a success thanks to donations from 20 generous individuals and funding from Sycuan Tribal Government, the Rokenbok Fund at the San Diego Foundation, and the David C. Copley Foundation.
Thank you everyone for your support to make summer camp available to the kids who need it most.
USD STEAM Youth and Community Conference
Join the 9th Annual STEAM Youth and Community conference at the University of San Diego on Saturday, July 19, 2025!
Registration: All participants can register HERE!
Check out information on our past STEAM Youth and Community Conferences at:
https://www.sandiego.edu/steam/conference/ Our 2025 website will be up shortly!
Registración: Pueden inscribirse AQUÍ!
Consulten la información sobre previas Conferencias de STEAM para Jóvenes y la Comunidad: https://www.sandiego.edu/steam/conference/
Have you participated in programs or volunteered at the Elementary Institute of Science?
Whether you’re still in high school, college, working or retired, we want to know what you’ve been up to and if you have thoughts about any impact EIS had on your life or career. Please send an email to our Development Assistant, Leah Oviedo at loviedo@eisca.org.
EIS alumni are invited to join our official group to reconnect and stay updated on future reunions. Facebook.com/groups/AlumniConnectEIS