Alabama STEM Education - Bessemer, Alabama

Nicole Smith

I love the environment and the setting of this nonprofit! The founder and administration were so welcoming and heartwarming! I cannot wait till the 4th of July celebration with the kids!

Sheka W

I wish I could give a negative star!

My child attended the Bessemer Camp this summer, and I can say that I have never been more upset by a camp! The first week of camp the children were introduced to a rapper, and my 8 year old son, along with a few others, watched one of his vulgar videos at camp. I expressed my concern to Mrs. Graham and she stated he donated popsicles to the kids on Fridays.

I was provided with a schedule of field trips for the summer that was altered NUMEROUS times without ANY communication to the parents. I've gone to pick up my child on the day no trip was scheduled to find out they were gone somewhere. They were scheduled to attend a movie at the McCalla theatre, but they took them to the $1 theatre in Hoover instead with no notice. They did not have adequate transportation to their trips and canceled many of them. I even found out after the fact that my child was placed in a personal vehicle to attend a field trip. After expressing concern to Mrs. Graham, I received a generic response that the decision was made by her assistant and they have insured vehicles (which, once again, my child was NOT in).

The last week of the camp they closed two days early! I don't know why or the cause, because the message was relayed to my by my 8 year old child the day before the last day.

I paid $700 for an educational Stem camp and received an unorganized, unprofessionally ran daycare. As a parent and educator, I STRONGLY advise you to seek something better for your child!!

Corene Towns

My grandchildren attended the Bessemer camp for the month of June. We had issues every week .If you need a babysitter and don't care who watches your kids this is the place for you . my middle school grands called every day to be picked up early because the building was so hot. They got very little if any exposure to science technology engineering and math. Parents were encouraged to let the kids bring their electronics . I didn't know that this is what they were doing most of the day .

The fact that out of town field trips were provided by charter bus did not make up for thrthe fact that local trips were interrupted by lack of decent transportation .

Mrs . Graham talks a good game .She could probably get an Eskimo to buy ice but she doesn't produce. I tried to express my disappointment with the program but she had her assistant meet with me instead. I called several times to speak with her but she was never available nor has she called me back after a month of trying to reach her . I didn't want to do a review ,would rather have told her but since she won't call me maybe she will read the review . There were other concerns but too but before you waste your money check around .

Ashlen R. Nettles

This program has/had the potential to be something enjoyable for students during the tenure of their summer break. But it was the complete opposite of what I expected as a parent and what was advertised on the behalf of the organization.

The Director is very unprofessional to say the least and never seemed to be in the office or accessible to speak with parents.

I allowed my child to attend this summer camp for the month of July and paid the full requested price. By the end of July 1st, the decision was made to withdraw my child. I requested a full refund and have been given the run around since then. Do not send your child to this camp unless you’re “okay” with your child being watched by irresponsible people (counselors), consuming expired food and sitting on the computer eight hours of the day.

Quitta Williams

My children have attended the Summer STEM camp. I understand that things have gotten better and better over the years. They had a great experience this summer (2018). Now they are in the Raise the Bar program which is partnered with Auburn, Alabama, UAB, and Alabama state university. They love it. I wish this program well and continued growth.

tarsha scott

Mrs. Graham and the entire team at Alabama STEM education are passionate about the possibilities for the children in the community to this level of education. Both my daughter (now in college pursuing a degree in computer science) and my son (middle school student) have enjoyed this rewarding experience. Keep of the good work Alabama STEM Education.

0 0

This organization is nothing short of a criminal enterprise. It exists to enrich its founder, Juanita Graham (she lost her real-estate license because she defrauded her client) , who has no background in any STEM profession. This entire project was begun so that Ms. Graham could generate income for herself. Ms. Graham will plead the plight of poor Black kids, while stealing the money that is intended for them. She uses photo ops, but the kids have nothing to show for their work.
Parents should know that their 501c3 status means that whatever programs that are offered should be free and open to the public. If they try and charge you, they will lose their 501c3 status. DO NOT LET THESE HUCKSTERS EXPLOIT YOU!!!!!!
Parents who are serious about their students getting a worthwhile STEM education would do well to work with TechBirmingham, McWane Center, or any number of reputable organizations that actually have STEM professionals on staff and can offer programs at little to no cost to the participants.
Be warned. I know this situation. The emphasis is on getting paid and not about education.

TheMuirheads

The camp was very beneficial to my niece. She loved the environment and they always kept them busy with learning and fun.